Alisson has missed Liverpool’s last two matches via injury (Picture: Getty)
Jurgen Klopp says that Liverpool’s No.1 goalkeeper Alisson is ‘closer’ to a return, but will not be back in time to face Sheffield United on Wednesday.
Alisson picked up an injury in the 1-1 draw at Manchester City on November 25, missing the 4-0 Europa League win over LASK and a 4-3 victory against Fulham.
Caoimhin Kelleher has started in Alisson’s absence and put in a shaky performance against Fulham, arguably at fault for two goals.
But Klopp has played down those errors as he spoke about both goalkeepers in Tuesday’s press conference.
‘Alisson is closer, but not available for tomorrow definitely,’ Klopp said.
‘I think [Caoimhin Kelleher] played a really good game [against Fulham] but then we concede two goals.
‘The Harry Wilson one was an unlucky one. The second one, our goalkeeping coach and Ali said, we are front-footed goalkeepers.
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‘These kind of things happen, it’s nothing to do with quality, it’s a philosophy thing.’
Klopp also provided injury updates on Joel Matip and Diogo Jota ahead of the trip to Bramall Lane.
‘I don’t know exactly but it doesn’t look good, that’s something we can say,’ Klopp said about Matip.
‘The scan is not done yet so we don’t know exactly, but it’s not great. From the first second it was clear, we spoke to him and said, ‘No, that’s not good’ – but how long, I don’t know.
‘[Diogo Jota] was running yesterday outside – on his birthday.
‘Everything goes in the right direction, but nobody told me he will be back in team training today. No, there is still some time.’
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Klopp, quizzed for his thoughts on the Premier League title race, with many tipping his side to be the main contenders alongside Manchester City and Arsenal, added: ‘Our late winner [against Fulham] is very important.
‘We can take a lot of things from the game, but we could have done better. I don’t think for a second about where we could end up.
‘We must be [where we are] in April. I have no clue where we will be in April. We can’t think ahead of the next game.’
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