Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a fitness update on goalkeeper Alisson Becker ahead of the Merseyside Derby against Everton.
The Brazilian shot-stopper has not featured since Liverpool’s 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on October 5.
Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped up admirably in Alisson’s absence over the last two months, as Liverpool have built up a seven-point lead at the top.
The Republic of Ireland international keeper though did get some stick for his part in Newcastle’s third goal as Liverpool dropped points in a 3-3 draw.
Kelleher decided to leave a deep cross which Fabian Schar slid home into an empty net.
Liverpool fans are keen to see the return of Alisson and have been hoping for a positive update on his fitness.
Slot Gives Alisson Fitness Update
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to local rivals Everton, Liverpool boss Arne Slot was asked to provide an update on the fitness of Alisson.
He told the media: “Alisson is not ready yet, but [he will be] very soon.”
Defending Kelleher following the draw with Newcastle, Slot added: “It was on 1-0 where Joe Gomez made a mistake and he saved it and it could have been 2-0 so maybe he saved us a point so if we go 2-0 down you never know what happens.
“Unfortunately for Caoimh if you make a mistake as a goalkeeper it is very difficult for someone else to cover it up, he has done that for us a few times when someone else has made a mistake.
“He is in a good place but disappointed like all the others that we dropped points from a winning position.”
As well as providing an update on the fitness of Alisson, Slot also provided news on two other players.
Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa will also miss the Merseyside Derby, though Slot said they were also ‘close’ to returning.
Slot’s First Merseyside Derby
As well as being asked for an update on the fitness of Alisson, the Liverpool manager was asked about what will be the last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park before Everton move to their new home.
He said: “It is going to be special for everyone, for all the fans involved, for all the players and the managers, to be part is already special and to be part of the last is even more special. But it is only a nice experience if the result goes your way!
“People told me about the fixture but the main thing I have to know is their playing style. You need to be aggressive but in a smart way. Last season we were very aggressive when we went there because I watched the game back yesterday.
“But after 30 minutes there were 10 fouls made by Liverpool and only one by an Everton player. They are a big threat from set-pieces.
“We want to be aggressive on the front foot in every game we play. But we always try to adjust to the threats the other teams have. They are a very hard working team.
“So if you want to talk about tactics you first have to match their work rate. I know we can, we have shown we work really hard.”
