Why isn’t Alisson Becker playing against Bournemouth? Liverpool team news

Head coach Arne Slot gave an injury update on Friday after the Brazilian goalkeeper missed team practice earlier this week.

Liverpool are looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Brentford when they return to Premier League action against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Arne Slot’s tenure as head coach began with three wins out of three but that run came to an end with a drab performance last weekend. The Reds regained some momentum with a 3-1 midweek victory over AC Milan in the Champions League, but have now lost a key player to injury.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is not in the matchday squad for the Reds after missing practice on Thursday due to a muscular injury.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Slot admitted that Alisson was a doubt for Saturday’s game: “Alisson is still a doubt if he can train today. So let’s wait if he can train. If he can’t he will probably not play as well so we have to wait and see.”

Back-up keeper Caoimhin Kelleher comes in to replace the Brazilian. Now 25 years old, Kelleher is Ireland’s first-choice for the national team and notably played in both the 2022 and 2024 League Cup finals, keeping two clean sheets in Liverpool wins.

What is Alisson Becker’s injury?

The Brazilian goalkeeper played the full 90 minutes in the midweek win against AC Milan but reported a soreness on Thursday, forcing him to miss team practice.

“He has a slight issue with one of his muscles and we wonder if this game tomorrow is coming too early or not,” Slot said on Friday.

“I think he didn’t get it from the Milan game it happened a bit before, but after the Milan game he felt more and more and now we have to wait and see if he’s ready to be in goal tomorrow or we have to wait a few more extra days.”

Kelleher is an adequate back-up but is undoubtedly a down-grade on Alisson. Liverpool will be hoping that the Brazilian is back to full fitness promptly with a busy schedule coming up. Liverpool take on West Ham United in the League Cup next Wednesday before travelling to Wolverhampton Wanderers the following weekend.