Liverpool boss Arne Slot has indicated that he may turn to Caoimhin Kelleher for more matches this season as he aims to protect first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker from potential injuries.
Alisson is expected to be sidelined until after next month’s international break in 2024 due to a hamstring issue, which opens the door for Ireland’s No. 1 Kelleher to secure a run in the Liverpool lineup.
Although Kelleher has expressed a desire to leave Liverpool in search of regular first-team football, Slot remains confident that the Irishman is focused on his responsibilities at Anfield.
Kelleher is set to start in Sunday’s Premier League match against Chelsea at Anfield.
“Alisson is not with us for the upcoming weeks that’s clear,” said Slot.
“That’s a blow for him and for us, he did really well this season and has done so well for this club for so many years.
“Now the good thing is Caoimhin did really well for us in previous years and it shows we have a good replacement.”
Slot suggested that the quick turnaround between international breaks and club matches may have contributed to Alisson’s injury.
He hinted that Caoimhin Kelleher could see more playing time this season as he aims to protect his first-choice keeper from further injuries.
“It’s uncommon for goalkeepers,” he said of the hamstring issue affecting Alisson.
“At Feyenoord I had the same with my goalkeeper, getting muscle injuries.
“We are looking into it and what the reasons are.
“If you get one (hamstring issue) the chances of another go up so we have tried to be careful.
“Also it’s a good chance to explain again, there were some things about me not disliking 12:30 kick-offs (on Saturdays).
“If you play Wednesday evening, it might be disadvantage to play 12:30pm after a Champions League game as the chances for injury go up.
“We need to take this into consideration. You cannot change all 11 players but in retrospect I might have chosen Caoimh over Ali.
“In Holland, I am 99.9% sure the Champions League teams get extra rest to prepare.
“That is not common here in England.”
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