Liverpool’s number two goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is set to miss this Saturday's Community Shield game against Manchester City, according to the Irish Independent
The Irishman has thus far missed the entirety of Liverpool’s pre-season fixtures due to an abdominal injury.
Number one in between the sticks Alisson Becker also sustained an abdominal problem during pre-season and has missed Jurgen Klopp’s side’s last three games.
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Despite the Brazilian returning to full training this week, he won't be fit to start at the King Power Stadium.
This injury to Alisson would have opened the door for Kelleher to start against in a major game, but this now seems unlikely.
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Klopp is now left with a goalkeeping issue and will likely be forced to rely on 35-year-old Adrian, who made just one appearance last campaign.
The Spaniard has filled in during pre-season and has impressed, but there are concerns about his ability to still play at the highest level.
Klopp will be desperate for at least one of his first and second choices to recover in time to face the Cottagers next weekend.
Kelleher leapfrogged Adrian in the pecking order last term, managing 8 appearances across all competitions.
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There have been rumours that the Ireland international might've departed Anfield in this window, but he is now expected to remain in the North West for one final season.
Liverpool come into the Community Shield encounter with a mixed pre-season record.
It began with a dismal 4-0 defeat to Manchester United in Bangkok, but they recovered with wins over Crystal Palace and RB Leipzig, including a 5-0 thrashing of the latter, in which record signing Darwin Nunez netted four times.
However, a narrow defeat to RB Salzburg on Wednesday means the momentum that had been building has now been dampened.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Manchester City, Alisson Becker