Alisson's extended Liverpool absence triggers concern over season start

Feargal Brennan

Alisson's extended Liverpool absence triggers concern over season start image

Liverpool are into the final straight of their preseason campaign ahead of an Anfield double-header against Athletic Club.

Arne Slot's side wrapped up their tour of Asia with a victory over Yokohama F. Marinos last week and they take on the La Liga giants at 5pm and again at 8pm [local time] today at Anfield.

The double-game is designed to allow both sides to give their full squads the chance to build up match sharpness ahead of the new season.

Slot is expected to name a different starting XI for each 90-minute match with a host of emerging stars tipped to feature including Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Ben Doak and Trent Kone-Doherty.

However, some of Slot's first teamers will miss out, with Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez absent through injury.

Gomez was sent home from the tour due to a calf problem, whilst Chiesa did not travel at all, amid rumours the Italy international could leave the club before the transfer window closes on September 1.

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Alisson Becker will also miss out after Slot confirmed he flew back to Brazil for a personal matter last month.

Why is Alisson not available for Liverpool's preseason?

Alisson was excused from Liverpool's friendlies before flying out to Hong Kong as new arrivals Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman and Armin Pecsi shared the gloves in wins over Preston and Stoke City.

The Brazil international completed 45 minutes in the defeat to AC Milan on July 26 but Slot confirmed he was permitted to fly to Brazil just before the win over Yokohama.

Reports from This Is Anfield have confirmed the reason for his rapid exit was due to his wife, Natalia, undergoing an operation in their native country.

Alisson
Getty Images/Mark Robinson Matchroom

The 32-year-old will not feature against Athletic Club, as he is yet to return to the UK, with Crystal Palace on the horizon in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on August 10.

Slot has confirmed Alisson 'will be back' for that game but his match fitness level is unknown.

Liverpool start their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on August 15, and with just one half of action this summer Alisson could be left out, with Mamardashvili handed a competitive debut.

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Feargal Brennan

Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News. He has been working with TSN since the start of 2022 after stints with Reach, Amazon UK and Squawka in a nomadic career in the football media pyramid. Always with a keen eye on Arteta's 'Reds' and Kenny's Ireland 'Greens' and a 100% five-a-side penalty record.