Liverpool suffer unexpected injury setback ahead of Arsenal clash which could derail their entire season

Liverpool could be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson for longer than initially expected, a new report has claimed.

Alisson, 32, has played a crucial role in Liverpool's success in recent years, having first joined the club in a £66.8m move from Roma in 2018.

While he has developed into arguably the best goalkeeper in the world at Liverpool, his time at Anfield has also been disrupted by persistent injury problems.

Earlier this month, Alisson suffered a hamstring injury in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on October 5, which forced him to miss the international break with Brazil.

It had been expected that Alisson would return after the next international break in mid-November.

But Football Insider claim the Brazilian could be ruled out for longer.

It is claimed that 'privately' Liverpool are working toward a new projected return timeline which could see him make his comeback in December instead.

His absence could be extended by several weeks, with Liverpool's medical staff reportedly reluctant to rush him back to action.

The availability of a deputy Caoimhin Kelleher, who played in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday, has contributed to the decision.

Alisson is now expected to return in early December but it remains to be seen whether this date will be pushed back further.

Liverpool next face RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday night before taking on Premier League title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.

The new timeline for Alisson's return could mean he also misses the crucial clash with defending champions Manchester City on December 1, which is followed closely by games against Newcastle (December 4) and the Merseyside derby against Everton on December 7.

Alisson is currently sidelined (Image: Getty)

Speaking last week, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot hinted at a longer spell on the sidelines for Alisson than originally expected.

"It feels a long time before Christmas so I expect Ali to be back before Christmas, yeah, but you never know," he said.

"It is always difficult to know how an injury will go in the first stages, so we can answer that question better in two or three weeks' time because you can always get setbacks."