Liverpool in major Alisson injury blow as return date for goalkeeper is revealed

Alisson is set to miss around six weeks to deal Liverpool a major blow ahead of their horror run, talkSPORT understands.

The 32-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in Saturday’s 1-0 away win at Crystal Palace.

He had only just returned to action following a thigh issue in September, and is now set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

The Brazilian was spotted punching the floor in anger as he was forced off in the second half at Selhurst Park.

Back-up shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher will now replace Alisson between the sticks for the start of Liverpool’s nightmare run of fixtures.

Following the October international break, the Premier League leaders play seven matches across 20 days.

Arne Slot’s men face Chelsea at home in their first game back, before pitting their wits against fellow title challengers Arsenal at the Emirates.

A Champions League clash at RB Leipzig, who can now count on ex-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp as an adviser, is sandwiched in between those two crunch clashes.

Liverpool then face Brighton in back-to-back matches – first at the Amex Stadum in the Carabao Cup fourth round – before welcoming them to Anfield in the top-flight days later.

A blockbuster meeting with Bayer Leverkusen in the European Cup then follows, which will see Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso return to his former stomping ground.

The tough fixtures don’t stop there, with Aston Villa to then travel to Merseyside before the November international break.

Depending on how well Alisson recovers, he could be back to feature away at Southampton on November 24, before Liverpool’s next set of horror matches.

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But should he suffer any possible setback during his rehab, it could see him miss the meeting with Real Madrid in matchday four of the revamped Champions League.

Liverpool then kick-off December with a mouthwatering match with Premier League champions Manchester City.

A midweek trip to Newcastle follows days later, with the Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park taking place on December 7.

Reacting to the news on the talkSPORT Breakfast show, co-host and Aston Villa cult hero Gabby Agbonlahor commented on how Alisson’s injury may affect Liverpool.

He said: “I think they’ll definitely struggle, he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”

Interjecting, Alan Brazil then stated: “I don’t know about struggle, I think definitely it’ll make a difference, but I don’t know about struggle.”

Responding, Agbonlahor remarked: “But sometimes he’s been the difference, hasn’t he?

“You look at his career at Liverpool, some of the saves he’s made.”

Reeling off all the games he is set to miss, Agbonlahor then said: “We will see after that run [until November break] where Liverpool are at.”