"I don't think he'll be able to play the Chelsea game" - Arne Slot provides worrying update on Liverpool superstar after win over Crystal Palace
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a worrying update on Alisson Becker's injury following the Reds' 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday (October 5). The Reds secured all three points at Selhurst Park to go four points clear at the top of the table but an injury to one of their stars somewhat faded the joy.
Diogo Jota scored the winner in the ninth minute but Liverpool could not add to their scoreline despite dominating the game for most parts. The Merseyside giants suffered a huge blow as their number one Alisson Becker had to go off in the 79th minute with a suspected hamstring injury.
With Alisson's usual understudy Caoimhin Kelleher missing the game due to illness, the Reds had to send third-choice stopper Vitezslav Jaros to replace the Brazilian. The 23-year-old, already a full Czech Republic international, did pretty well to see Arne Slot's side keep their fifth Premier League clean sheet in six games this season.
Following the game, Liverpool manager Arne Slot claimed that Alisson is likely to miss the Reds' home fixture against Chelsea after the international break. The Merseyside giants will take on Enzo Maresca's side on Sunday, October 20, at Anfield but could be without their first-choice keeper. Slot said, as quoted by Inside Futbol:
“It’s disappointing for him. But also for us that he’s injured. I don’t think that he will be able to play the Chelsea game, but hopefully soon after he will be back with us.”
Alisson going off with an injury won't be a pleasing sight for Liverpool fans given how decisive the Brazil international has been for them over the years. Since joining the club in 2018 from Roma in a reported £71.6 million deal, he has played 270 games for the Reds, keeping 118 clean sheets and helping the club win five trophies.
The Brazil international, however, has been quite susceptible to injuries for a keeper having missed 50 games since moving to Anfield. He missed 19 games in total last season but Caoimhin Kelleher did exceptionally well deputizing for him.
Joe Cole heaps praise on Liverpool attacker following win over Crystal Palace
Former Premier League winger-turned-television pundit Joe Cole has waxed lyrical about Diogo Jota following Liverpool's 1-0 win against Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old scored the only goal of the game to help his side move four points clear at the top of the table.
Jota's exceptional movement saw him get at the end of Cody Gakpo's cross from the left flank and he made no mistake to keep it past Dean Henderson. Joe Cole hailed the Portugal international's exceptional movement on and off the ball. The former Liverpool and Chelsea winger told TNT Sports, as quoted by Rousing the Kop:
“Liverpool have been sensational. Alexander-Arnold and Salah on the right side and Curtis Jones. When the defenders come out they’re running into those spaces, it’s where the goal came from."
The three-time Premier League winner added:
“They’ve been fantastic at breaking it down, the movement, particularly Jota, he’s occupying all three of them.”
Jota has scored four goals in nine games this season while setting up his teammates on two occasions. Since joining the Reds in 2020 in a deal worth a reported £45 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers, he has produced 59 goals and 21 assists in 153 appearances.