Klopp Offers Crucial Update Ahead Of Community Shield

Liverpool FC boss Jurgen Klopp has shared an update on goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s situation ahead of the big game against Manchester City. 

Alisson has not featured in any of Liverpool’s pre-season games since their 4-0 loss to Manchester United in Bangkok earlier this month. The Brazilian glovesman could feature in the Reds’ upcoming Community Shield game against Man City as he is the “closest” among the other injured players to full recovery, according to Klopp.

City and Liverpool had a close rivalry yet again last season in the Premier League title race. Pep Guardiola’s side clinched the title only by a point. The two sides are set to resume the battle, starting with the Community Shield fixture at the King Power Stadium on Saturday (July 30). Klopp is yet to win the trophy, having lost twice in the past.

“Obviously Diogo [Jota] is not here, that’s clear, but from the boys who are injured but are here, Ali is the closest – definitely not for Salzburg but then we will see. He is close to get back I think,” Klopp told Liverpool’s media ahead of the Reds’ pre-season game against RB Salzburg on Wednesday.

While Jota has suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury he sustained while on duty with Portugal earlier this summer, Alisson has been suffering from an abdominal issue.

Photo: POOL / Rui Vieira

Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is also out with an injury and is yet to take part in any pre-season action. He has not traveled with Liverpool’s touring party to Austria for the Salzburg game and has been left behind at the AXA Training Centre, according to Sports Illustrated.

Third-choice keeper Adrian, and Harvey Davies have so far filled in for Alisson and Kelleher in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace in Singapore, and their thrilling 5-0 win over RB Leipzig in Germany last Thursday. 

Klopp also revealed his conversation with Liverpool’s team doctor over the team’s current injury issues. “We have three days later our big starting game of the season. So, of course, we will have to make changes. I’d love to say we can use all of them but now I had only a short talk with Doc Sarah and she told me, ‘‘He feels a little bit, he feels a little bit, he has a back [issue]’ and stuff like this,” added Klopp.

After the Community Shield match, Liverpool will gear up for their opening encounter of the 2022-23 Premier League. The Reds are set to kickstart their new campaign on the road as they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Aug. 6.