Liverpool Faces Challenge Against Manchester United Without Becker

Liverpool will be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, as they prepare to host arch-rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday. This absence adds pressure on manager Arne Slot, who is seeking to end a troubling three-match losing streak for the team. Alisson is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during a 1-0 Champions League defeat against Galatasaray last month.

Slot confirmed Alisson’s unavailability during a press conference, stating, “He will not play and also not next week. Alisson, he is not training. It’s so difficult to say when he will return because the end phase of rehab can give positives and negatives.” The goalkeeper’s injury comes at a pivotal time for Liverpool, who have struggled to translate strong performances into points recently.

In Alisson’s absence, Giorgi Mamardashvili stepped in as goalkeeper during the 2-1 loss to Chelsea before the international break. Slot is optimistic as midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has returned to full fitness after a hamstring issue, while defender Ibrahima Konate was expected to train on Friday following a thigh problem.

Liverpool’s recent form has raised concerns, with Slot noting the fine margins that have led to their losses. “We’ve played 10 games in all competitions, won seven and lost three. The three losses were by close margins,” he said. Despite this, he emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “Results don’t lie; if you lose three in a row, then you have to do better. We are aware of that and we have to react.”

The upcoming match against Manchester United at Anfield promises to be a high-stakes encounter, as both teams are eager for a positive result to stabilize their seasons. Liverpool currently sits in second place, trailing Arsenal by one point after seven games, while United occupies tenth place but comes off a morale-boosting 2-0 victory against Sunderland.

Slot expressed his anticipation for the match, highlighting its significance. “I look forward to every single Premier League game, but maybe more the Manchester United one because I know how special it is,” he remarked. “We know it’s the game that is perhaps watched the most all over the world. It’s a game where we have to be at our best, because in my opinion, United have had a better start to the season than the league table suggests.”

Additionally, Slot addressed the performance of British record signing Alexander Isak, who has yet to score for Sweden during the international break. “Now he’s had his five or six weeks of pre-season; fitness-wise, he is close to the level he should be. Now we can judge him in a fair way from now on,” Slot explained. He added that Isak’s pre-season has concluded, and it will be crucial to evaluate his contributions in the upcoming weeks.

As Liverpool gears up for this critical match, the absence of Alisson Becker will undoubtedly weigh heavily on the squad, but the team remains focused on overcoming their recent struggles. The clash against Manchester United could serve as a turning point for Slot’s side, who are determined to reclaim their form and secure vital points in the league.