Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is back in training and could play against Crystal Palace on Saturday, though the news was less good for Alexis Mac Allister, who was in the wars during the 2-0 win over Sheffield United midweek.
Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has confirmed that Alisson could be back in goal this weekend after recovering from injury quicker than anticipated. But Mac Allister is likely to miss the trip to Selhurst Park.
Klopp was complimentary about Roy Hodgson ahead of the game and also discussed the importance of Virgil van Dijk, who he labeled the ‘best defender in the world’. But the Reds boss played down talk of a January deal for a defender.
The Liverpool manager played down the chances of a center-back being signed in January because it is not easy to do so. “As long as other clubs don’t put [someone] under the Christmas tree for us, I don’t think so to be honest,” he said when asked if a transfer was the plan. But that would be a major gamble when the league title is there for the taking.
Alisson looks good,” Klopp explained in his press conference. “I don’t know if good enough for tomorrow. Have to check. Macca doesn’t look good. We will have to see day by day. We were hopeful after the game. I don’t expect him to be ready for tomorrow.”
Asked about the title race, Klopp said he was not ‘interested’ in how many teams were involved. He added: “It’s unusual that City aren’t top with 10 points between first and second. Arsenal are doing well, we aren’t doing too bad. Aston Villa outstanding. United, I’m not following it really. Newcastle are there. Spurs are there.
We have the strongest characters in world football. Our new leadership group are all experienced world-class footballers. I’m not sure it’s a surprise [how much progress has been made]. Last year put doubt in people’s minds. I’m happy we can show right signs.”
Liverpool would be likely to play Alisson tomorrow if he is ready and it sounds like that should be the case. With Mac Allister set to miss out, Wataru Endō may continue as the defensive midfielder with Curtis Jones or Ryan Gravenberch playing from the left.
In terms of Klopp’s comments about the January transfer window, if the right player is available, then Liverpool should be doing business at the back. The fitness of Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez simply cannot be guaranteed and with Matip being out of contract at the end of the season, bringing in a replacement in advance would make sense anyway.
