Has Alisson’s Injury Derailed Liverpool Before The Season Is Truly Underway?

The Liverpool juggernaut of the last twelve months is showing little sign of slowing down despite a lack of signings over the summer and a busy international period for most players.

In the first half of the opening game of the English Premier League season against Norwich, goalkeeper Alisson Becker went down with an injury that could have a major impact on the future of Liverpool FC. Reports are varying over the length of time the Brazilian will be missing for but some are putting his absence at a possible two months.

It is no secret that the Merseyside club had problems with the goalkeeping position prior to the arrival of Alisson with Simon Mingolet finally leaving the club during the Summer. Alisson has undoubtedly had a positive effect on Liverpool FC in both defense and attack with his shot-stopping and command of his area a bonus behind the equally impressive Virgil Van Dijk. Without the addition of Alisson, the run to 97 points last season would never have happened and it is easy to argue the sixth Champion’s League title would never have been won.

The Reds are now looking to the former West Ham United goalie Adrian to provide the backup for the injured Alisson. With their third-choice goalkeeper injured, Liverpool has now turned to the veteran former Preston North End goalkeeper Andy Lonergan as the backup to Adrian. Lonergan has been without a club since leaving Middlesbrough at the end of the 2018-2019 season.

Looking at the next three games in the English Premier League, The Reds face some tricky games with Adrian often struggling to maintain his form while the first choice at West Ham. The next game for Liverpool is away at Southampton who will be looking to return to winning ways after losing their first game against Burnley, 3-0. Liverpool should be too strong for the Saints but face a tougher test with their next game against a resurgent Arsenal team who are still celebrating their stunning transfer window success. Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang is still at the top of his game and made it 33 Premier League goals in just 50 games.

The English Premier League season is known as one of the most difficult in the world with almost every team capable of beating any other on a given day. After Southampton, Burnley is next on the fixture list for Liverpool and Alisson should still be missing which could result in an aerial bombardment on the part of the Lancashire club. Sean Dyche has made his name pushing Burnley to weigh on the weaknesses of other teams and the goalkeeper position could be the weakness Burnley hit for Liverpool.

If Alisson is out for more than the two to three weeks some have stated, Liverpool manager Klopp has failed to give a clear answer to questions of his injury absence, the Merseyside club could see Manchester City pull away to an unassailable lead.

If 97 points were not enough to win the Premier League last season when Liverpool avoided any major injuries the chance to pass Manchester City and claim a first Premier League title will have passed Liverpool by once again.