David Ornstein: World-Class Liverpool star set to miss six weeks through injury | OneFootball

Alisson’s Injury Leaves Liverpool Facing Major Questions

Credit to David Ornstein and The Athletic for reporting the news that Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is expected to be sidelined until after the November international break with a hamstring problem. At 33, the Brazilian has faced his share of injuries, but this setback could hardly come at a worse time for Arne Slot’s side.

Timing and Fixture Concerns

Liverpool are bracing for a run of matches that could define their season. According to Ornstein, Alisson may now miss clashes against Manchester United, Real Madrid and Manchester City. These are precisely the fixtures where Liverpool require stability at the back and the calm assurance that Alisson has so often provided.

Arne Slot confirmed the immediate absence of his goalkeeper after the Champions League defeat at Galatasaray. “If one of our players is on the floor nine times out of 10 I fear the worst and with the worst I mean he cannot continue and that is what happened with Alisson,” Slot explained. “He will not be able to play Saturday that is 99.9 per cent (certain), although I think it is 100 per cent.”

The concern is not only the length of the absence but also the pattern. Alisson missed 26 matches for club and country last season with hamstring and thigh issues, and another hamstring problem kept him out for almost two months in 2023-24.

Mamardashvili Steps Into Spotlight

Liverpool’s recruitment team planned ahead, bringing in Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer. Initially, the Georgia international was viewed as the long-term successor to Alisson, but circumstances have accelerated his promotion to first choice.

Mamardashvili was signed to learn under one of the world’s best, yet as Ornstein notes, “the 23-year-old was set for the No 2 role this season, but now he will step up to be Liverpool’s No 1 for the next few weeks.” That places significant pressure on him, particularly given the calibre of opponents Liverpool face in the coming weeks.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool fans saw glimpses of his talent when he replaced Alisson against Galatasaray. His shot-stopping ability is unquestioned, but it will be his command of the box and ability to organise the defence that will determine whether he can emulate Caoimhin Kelleher, who previously filled in with great composure before moving to Brentford this summer.

Long-Term Implications

The larger issue for Liverpool concerns Alisson’s long-term availability. He has already played 307 matches for the club, delivering 129 clean sheets, but repeated hamstring setbacks are a worrying trend. At 33, the recovery windows will only lengthen.

This is not only about managing the present absence but planning for life beyond Alisson. The fact that Liverpool moved decisively for Mamardashvili suggests they are already preparing for that transition. Slot will be judged on how he navigates this delicate moment, balancing short-term performance with long-term succession planning.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For many Liverpool supporters, this latest Alisson injury feels like déjà vu. The Brazilian has been nothing short of world-class since arriving from Roma, but fans are starting to worry about how many more of these spells on the sidelines they will have to endure. His presence in goal has been the backbone of title challenges and Champions League nights, and without him, there is always that sense of vulnerability.

The timing could hardly be worse. Facing Manchester United, Real Madrid and Manchester City without Alisson is a nightmare scenario. Supporters are understandably nervous about Mamardashvili being thrown into the fire so soon. He may well prove to be the right long-term choice, but fans will rightly ask whether it was wise to let Kelleher leave when his reliability had already been proven.

There is also frustration that Liverpool have not solved this recurring problem. Sports science and rotation have helped extend careers, yet Alisson’s hamstrings appear to be a chronic issue. Unless the club can manage his workload better, these absences could become even more frequent.

Liverpool have a squad capable of competing on all fronts under Arne Slot, but without their talismanic goalkeeper, fans will wonder if the balance of the season has already tilted in the wrong direction. The next few weeks may define whether this campaign remains on course for silverware or slips into frustration.