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How Liverpool fared without Alisson last season as Arne Slot reveals injury concern

Caoimhin Kelleher looks set to deputize again for Alisson when Liverpool takes on Bournemouth
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Liverpool looks as though it will have to rely on Caoimhin Kelleher once again tomorrow with Alisson Becker set to miss another game through injury.

Arne Slot confirmed the goalkeeper was a doubt to face Bournemouth on Saturday after missing training following Tuesday’s win over AC Milan in the Champions League. The Reds head coach revealed in his pre-match press conference that the problem had originally flared up before the trip to Italy, with the injury worsening following the game at the San Siro.

Since Slot spoke to the press, it has emerged that Alisson missed training again on Friday, all but confirming his absence for the weekend.

That means Kelleher will likely deputize once again for the Brazilian – a situation the Republic of Ireland international knows well, having had to step up a number of times last season.

With Alisson struggling with hamstring injuries on two separate occasions last term, Kelleher started 10 Premier League games in a total of 26 appearances across all competitions. The good news for Liverpool is the Irishman’s record across those league games was nearly flawless.

The Reds went unbeaten across those 10 outings, winning eight and drawing two – although the two draws did prove crucial to their title hopes crumbling, coming against both Manchester City and Manchester United.

Liverpool’s Premier League games without Alisson 2023/24

December 3, 2023 – Won 4-3 vs Fulham (H)

December 6, 2023 – Won 2-0 vs Sheffield United (A)

February 10, 2024 – Won 3-1 vs Burnley (H)

February 17, 2024 – Won 4-1 vs Brentford (A)

February 21, 2024 – Won 4-1 vs Luton (H)

March 2, 2024 – Won 1-0 vs Nottingham Forest (A)

March 10, 2024 – Drew 1-1 vs Manchester City (H)

March 31, 2024 – Won 2-1 vs Brighton (H)

April 4, 2024 – Won 3-1 vs Sheffield United (H)

April 7, 2024 – Drew 2-2 vs Manchester United (A)

Kelleher of course also turned out for the entirety of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup run, producing some stunning saves in the final at Wembley that were branded ‘world class’ by Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.

The 25-year-old also played twice in the FA Cup, helping Liverpool to victory over Southampton before they were knocked out by Manchester United, and made eight appearances in the Europa League, with his final game of the season coming in the 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool and Slot will clearly have no qualms about throwing Kelleher in against Bournemouth tomorrow. He is, after all, perhaps the best No.2 around in the Premier League, and would comfortably walk in as a No.1 for a number of sides – a fact he is clearly aware of.

Having said that, there is always going to be a drop-off when you’re without the best goalkeeper in the world. Even with Kelleher’s fine record last season, there were moments when Alisson’s absence was felt, particularly in his first league outing against Fulham.

Fingers crossed Alisson’s injury doesn’t keep him out for too long on this occasion. As good as Kelleher is, fans will feel much more comfortable with the Brazilian between the sticks.