Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation is uncertain as they prepare to face Crystal Palace. Either Alisson Becker or Freddie Woodman will start in goal.
Alisson has missed the Reds’ last six games due to injury. Giorgi Mamardashvili, the No.1’s primary back-up, will not be available for Saturday’s Premier League kick-off.
Mamardashvili was stretchered off due to a leg wound during the victory at Everton last weekend.
Woodman Set to Feature?
Third-choice goalkeeper Woodman replaced Mamardashvili at Hill Dickinson Stadium. He will play again versus Palace if Alisson is not deemed fit to return.
Arne Slot said that Giorgi will definitely not be available for tomorrow and also not for the upcoming weeks. Slot added that Ali is close to a return to play, so it remains to be seen if tomorrow comes too early.
Slot confirmed that Freddie Woodman is an option, who is definitely fit. He said that they signed an experienced third goalkeeper for a reason, adding that he’s a very good man and well-liked in the dressing room, which is important in that role, and that he’s ready for it.
The head coach later confirmed 21-year-old ’keeper Armin Pecsi will be among Liverpool’s substitutes at Anfield this weekend.
Liverpool’s Other Injury Updates
Joe Gomez is available again after he was absent for the Merseyside derby. Slot stated that he is back in the squad, so that’s really positive because last week he only had two centre-backs that were playing and no-one on the bench so it’s really helpful that Joe is back.
Slot was also asked about the fitness of Wataru Endo. The boss said that Wata is starting to go outside, but not with the team yet, and is starting to do exercises outside on the pitch with the rehab team so he is making steps.
Endo will not be available next week for [Manchester] United or the week after, but they are hoping and expecting him to be back in the end of the season.
Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are long-term absentees.
Palace Team News
Palace, meanwhile, are set to be boosted by the return of Adam Wharton, who was unable to feature in their goalless draw with West Ham United on Monday.
Eagles manager Oliver Glasner told reporters that Adam is good, is fit and trained yesterday without any issues so he’ll be available for Liverpool.
- Adam Wharton is fit for Crystal Palace.
- Eddie Nketiah and Evann Guessand will miss the game.
- Nathaniel Clyne is a doubt due to illness.
Glasner added that all the others are the same so they’ve got no new injury concerns, which is good news. He confirmed that two injuries they still have are Eddie Nketiah and Evann Guessand so they will miss this game.
Former Liverpool full-back Nathaniel Clyne is a doubt, though, with Glasner adding that one question mark they have is Nathaniel Clyne.
He was ill yesterday, but then was better in the evening, is being assessed at the moment, but hopefully he is available.
Midfielder Cheick Doucoure is yet to play for Glasner’s side this season due to injury.
Liverpool will hope to overcome their goalkeeping issues and secure a positive result against Crystal Palace.