Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has written a heartfelt message to Alisson Becker after the tragic death of the goalkeeper's father.
Jose Becker, 57, drowned in a lake near the family's ranch in southern Brazil last week, with Alisson granted compassionate leave as he missed Liverpool's victory at Sheffield United last Sunday.
The Brazil international is set to return to the starting lineup for the clash with Chelsea at Anfield on Thursday night, and Klopp has used his programme notes to send an emotional message to the goalkeeper.
"So to the most difficult sentences I think I have written in this publication since I arrived here. I refer of course to our goalkeeper Alisson Becker," Klopp wrote.
"It's been almost impossible to speak about in public, to be honest - just too hard. But maybe I can write it better.
"The world has experienced too much loss recently.
"We have other members of our club who have suffered it. In the city of Liverpool, throughout this country and around the globe, too many have had to deal with the agony of losing a person they love so much. Bereavement is too common just now.
"But for Ali, our wonderful, loving soulful, team-mate, this was truly tragic.
"No-one really has the words to explain what they feel in these moments. I know I'm not adequate.
"So instead I wish to tell Alisson how much this team and this club loves him and his family.
"The greatest tribute possible to Alisson's father is the person his son is and has become. He honours him every day with how he lives his life.
"We must all give Ali as much time as he needs and we must give him space in the appropriate moments also. Our supporters should know that he feels their love and their compassion.
"Ali has the strongest faith of anyone I've ever met, so he knows they will be together again to celebrate all the new special memories he creates from now on."
Klopp also went on to pay tribute to Liverpool legend Ian St John, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82.
"I've used this phrase, or a version of it, many times previously: football can feel like the most important of the least important things in life," he wrote.
"It feels appropriate again tonight - not just for Ali but for the family of Ian St John also, a true LFC legend who we lost earlier this week.
"For those who have suffered loss, this wonderful game of ours can still bring escape, energy and joy.
"As always, we will look to do our best and play in a manner that makes our people proud."
