What Arne Slot has said about Alisson Becker finally returning for Liverpool ahead of playing Newcastle

Add as preferred source on Google

Alisson Becker has been absent from the Liverpool squad for quite some time, yet the Reds haven’t missed a beat without the Brazilian.

Caoimhin Kelleher has been nothing short of outstanding as Alisson’s deputy in recent weeks, with Darren Bent comparing the Liverpool keeper to Emi Martinez following his recent performance between the sticks for the Anfield side.

Despite Kelleher’s performances, there is a general understanding that the Republic of Ireland international will be replaced once Alisson is back and fully fit for Liverpool, with Arne Slot taking his time in bringing the former AS Roma star back into the fold.

And Slot has now shared when Liverpool fans can expect to see Alisson back in action.

Alisson to be back for Liverpool ‘before the end of December’

Speaking to the press ahead of Wednesday night’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United, the Dutch manager confirmed that Alisson will be back in goal for the Reds before the end of December.

Kelleher’s performances have been nothing short of outstanding this season with Alisson out injured, yet even with the Liverpool academy graduate impressing during this period, the Brazilian’s return seems like an inevitability.

READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool’s Alisson Becker from his wife to net worth

Slot said when asked about Alisson’s fitness: “I’ve been clear about our position on the goalkeepers, we are just waiting for the moment Alisson is completely fit, because Caoimhin is doing too well to put Alisson in goal. If he’s only at 50%, that would be good for Alisson and good for the team.

“He’s getting there, he might need a few extra days, but he’s getting closer, and like I’ve always said, the end phase of rehab is always difficult, but he will be in goal before the end of December.”

Kelleher will understand being dropped when Alisson returns

It feels like one of the cruelest ironies in football when it comes to second-choice goalkeepers being dropped whenever the first-choice option is fit again no matter what how good the former has performed.

And Kelleher will soon have to go through this experience when Alisson returns to action, with the Liverpool superstar the clear no. 1 at Anfield even with the Brazilian missing nearly two months of action due to injury.

Indeed, Alisson’s return will be huge for Liverpool, and for Kelleher, the Irish shot-stopper will understand why he has been dropped when the moment ultimately comes, with the Cork-born talent setting himself up for a big move heading into 2025.