Jurgen Klopp has claimed that Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker could be fit in time to face Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Alisson missed Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in Singapore due to an abdominal muscle problem.
However, as quoted in The Athletic, Klopp said that the Brazilian ‘has a chance’ to play against Pep Guardiola’s men, while Diogo Jota has been ruled out.
“Ali (Alisson) has a chance for the game against City (in the Community shield), Diogo (Jota) not,” the German boss said.
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“With Ali, it’s nothing serious but we’re preparing for the whole season. It’s just not ideal."
"He can’t do goalie training with it and shouldn’t play in this moment, but he can still do some other things."
“These things happen. Only a little thing but we have to be careful.”
Klopp will be keen to get his number one reintegrated back into his side as quickly as possible, with the 29-year-old having been an essential part in the Reds’ side that almost won the quadruple last season.
Liverpool did record their first win of this pre-season yesterday, with goals from Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah seeing off Patrick Vieira’s side.
This comes after a disappointing opening game of the club’s Asia tour, where they suffered a 4-0 thrashing to North West rivals, Manchester United.
However, alongside Alisson’s absence, another negative to take from this game was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain being forced off with a hamstring injury.
Klopp told The Athletic: “it’s very disappointing for him and for us. Ox had trained all the time really well and looked really good.
“It has happened in the past with Ox when he has had intense periods."
"This is just a muscle thing and we’ve had worse situations."
“I don’t know exactly how long it will take. But he’ll come back and it will be all fine. He’s a top class player who can help us.”
The Merseysiders will now travel back to Europe, where they’ll face RB Leipzig in Germany and RB Salzburg in Austria, before that Community Shield fixture at the King Power Stadium.
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Alisson
Alfie Culshaw