Kelleher set for extended first-team run with Alisson injured again

Liverpool will once again need to call on the services of Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, with first-choice no.1, Alison, set for an extended spell on the sidelines, after injuring his hamstring in the 1 - 0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Despite many predicting Kelleher would move on during the summer transfer window, the young keeper will now get the chance to add to his 49 Liverpool appearances, starting with the game against Chelsea in two weeks.

Arne Slot and Liverpool look set to be without first-choice 'keeper Alisson for 4 - 5 weeks, after the Brazilian shot-stopper injured his hamstring during Saturday's game against Crystal Palace.

Clearing the ball upfield late in the second half, Alisson immediately fell to the floor clutching the back of his right leg.  After a quick check by the medical team, Alisson was replaced by young goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros, who was on the substitutes bench in place of Kelleher, who was suffering from illness.

Magic moment for young 'keeper Jaros

Although sad for Alisson, it was a moment to remember for Jaros, who was making his first-team debut.  The 23-year-old Czech goalkeeper spent last season on loan at Austrian side Sturm Graz, where he won a league and cup double, and put in an assured performance, helping the Reds keep a fifth clean sheet of the season, as they won 1 - 0, and maintain their one-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

After the game, Arne Slot was full of praise for his third-choice goalkeeper, telling BBC Sport,

"Really good.  He had a good season and he won the league and cup with the team [Sturm Graz] in Austria [last season]."

"He wanted to go [back this season] and have playing time. We said at a club like this we need a good third goalkeeper as well. It was a nice moment for him to make his debut for Liverpool."

Alisson's injury is a huge blow for Liverpool

As well as praising Jaros, Slot also confirmed that Alisson will be missing for a number of weeks,

"The latest is that we don't know but what we do know is that if a player walks off like he did, that normally means that he is not in the Brazil squad and I don't expect him to be in the team in the first game we play after [the international break]."

"We have to wait and see, but it is going to take a few weeks I assume for him to be back. I think it is [his hamstring]."

Further reports on Sunday have now confirmed that Alisson will not be traveling to Brazil to join up with his teammates for the upcoming International matches, while it is likely that he will also miss the Chelsea and Arsenal games on the 20th and 27th of October.

Kelleher to prove his worth once again

Despite Jaros stepping in against Crystal Palace, Caoimhin Kelleher will get the nod for both the Chelsea and Arsenal games, as well as the Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig on the 23rd of October.

The Northern Ireland International has proven his worth to the Reds on numerous occasions, both in the league and in various European and Cup competitions, where he has produced a number of match-winning saves, including in the Carabao Cup Final in 2022.  In fact, last season Kelleher made 10 league appearances for Liverpool, with Alisson suffering a number of injuries, so he will have be relishing the opportunity for another run in the first team.

This latest injury to Alisson also highlights how important it was that Liverpool kept hold of Kelleher over the summer, despite many predicting he would leave the club for more first-team football.  Although Alisson is Liverpool's no.1, he has begun to suffer injuries on a more regular basis in the last two seasons, meaning more opportunities for Kelleher to play, and highlighting how important it is to have two top-class goalkeepers at the club.

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