Here are your Liverpool evening headlines for Monday, October 19.
FA decide against punishing Pickford
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will not face any retrospective punishment for the tackle that resulted in Virgil van Dijk suffering a knee ligament injury in the Merseyside derby.
The Liverpool centre-back now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines and could even miss the rest of the season, but Pickford will not face any action for his role.
Pickford’s flying tackle on van Dijk was seen by the VAR officials, but came after an offside call and so it was decided the Everton goalkeeper couldn’t be sent off.
This led to much discussion over whether the goalkeeper could face retrospective action, but The FA has clarified they can only retrospectively hand out punishments for incidents not seen by any officials on the pitch, or at Stockley Park.
Matip undergoes scan as Klopp faces injury crisis
Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip underwent a scan on a potential leg injury with Jurgen Klopp facing a defensive injury crisis.
Matip had the tests on Saturday after complaining of discomfort after the Merseyside derby draw with Everton. While no serious issue was revealed, Liverpool will continue to monitor the Cameroon international.
His absence would leave the Reds down to one recognised centre-back for this week’s Champions League group stage opener against Ajax in Amsterdam: Joe Gomez.
Fabinho could step in into the backline option alongside Gomez having operated in that position on a number of occasions in the past for Liverpool, including in the 2-0 win against Chelsea last month.
Alisson update as goalkeeper returns to training
Alisson has returned to Liverpool training amid optimism the Brazilian goalkeeper could make a quicker recovery from injury than had been initially anticipated.
The 28-year-old has been missing for Liverpool since suffering a shoulder injury ahead of the 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa a fortnight ago, with initial reports suggesting he could be out of action for as much as six weeks.
However, the ECHO understands Alisson is progressing well with individual training sessions involving diving and falling at Melwood.
There is no hope within Liverpool’s coaching staff that Alisson could make a return to action for the Premier League fixture at home against West Ham United on Saturday October 31.
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