Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker will not return to first-team action until at least mid-October, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s game against Newcastle.
The £60 million man has been sidelined since he picked up a calf injury during the Premier League opener against Norwich, and there had been speculation that he could return to the starting XI within the next few weeks.
Klopp, however, played down the likelihood of Alisson making a comeback any time soon.
“He’s improving but we cannot put any pressure on it,” he said. “It was a really serious injury in the calf. It is now much better, of course, and that’s good for us and good for him, but we don’t know exactly [when he will return].
“The target was always after the next international break [that] he could be ready, but we don’t know. So, as I said, there is no pressure and hopefully everything will be fine for the rest of the season, that’s the plan.”
Adrian, signed on a free transfer to replace previous backup stopper Simon Mignolet, seems set to continue in goal for at least the next seven games but Liverpool fans will be desperate for Alisson to return after the next international break. They play Manchester United at Old Trafford on 20 October.
Klopp also gave a more positive update on fellow injury casualty Naby Keita, who injured his hip prior to the Uefa Super Cup final against Chelsea.
“Naby is close, much closer than Ali. I think he could be in training when we come back from Napoli next week.”
Liverpool provisional squad: Adrian, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Milner, Fabinho, Salah, Firmino, Mane, Kelleher, Gomez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lallana, Wijnaldum, Shaqiri, Origi.
Newcastle provisional squad: Dubravka, Darlow, Manquillo, Krafth, Dummett, Willems, Fernandez, Schar, Lascelles, Clark, Shelvey, Hayden, Ki, M. Longstaff, Atsu, Almiron, Joelinton, Muto.
