Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker will miss Liverpool’s match against Premier League champions Manchester City in this weekend’s Community Shield clash, as the Brazilian edges closer to a return from abdominal injury.
The German tactician confirmed that third choice shot-stopper Adrian will start in goal for the Reds in the Community Shield against Manchester City with both Alisson and second choice Caoimhin Kelleher out injured.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the game, the Reds boss told reporters that he would be without first choice goalkeeper Alisson, while confirming that Adrian will start in goal for Liverpool in the Community Shield.
He said: “Alisson trained today more than the day before so he will definitely be available for Fulham but not for the weekend, Diogo (Jota)… it will take a while, unfortunately.”
Alisson has played just 45 minutes in pre-season and that came in the 4-0 defeat against Manchester United in Bangkok-Thailand over two weeks ago and with Caoimhin Kelleher out, it means that third-choice keeper Adrian will start in goal against the Cityzens.
The 35 year-old Spanish shot-stopper only made one appearance in all competitions for the Reds last season, when he started the EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) win away at Preston North End.
Meanwhile, Klopp’s confirmation that Portuguese forward Diogo Jota will be unavailable comes as less of a surprise, having missed all of Liverpool’s pre-season fixtures through injury.
The forward has missed all of Liverpool’s pre-season so far after picking up a hamstring injury while on Portugal duty at the end of the last campaign.
It means that £64 million signing Darwin Nunez is set for his first appearance in a Reds shirt on English soil.
The Uruguayan scored four goals in Liverpool’s 5-0 win over RB Leipzig last week, but has failed to find the net in their other three friendlies.
Apex Football News 