Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker and attacker Diogo Jota are out of the squad to face LASK in their Europa League clash tomorrow.
Klopp told reporters that Alisson’s injury was more serious than feared, and he will be out for at least two weeks.
Alisson appeared to have a hamstring problem in the latter stage of their 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend.
The German manager could not put a timeframe on Jota’s injury, with the Portuguese international expected to spend more time on the sideline than Alisson.
The timing of Alisson’s injury could not be any worse as this period is an important stretch, with five games coming in the next 14 days.
Within that two-week stretch, Alisson will miss games against LASK, Fulham, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Union Saint-Gilloise.
If he does not recover, he could miss their crucial match against Manchester United on December 17 and the League Cup quarter-final against West Ham United.
Alisson has been outstanding for Liverpool this season, as he has been back to his best form after a brief struggle last season.
The 31-year-old has started every Premier League game for the Reds this season. He has conceded only 11 goals – only Arsenal’s goalkeepers have conceded less (10).
Alisson has the highest save percentage in the league (80%), closely followed by Manchester United’s Andre Onana and Newcastle United’s Nick Pope.
He has kept four clean sheets, and only four teams have more. He has been a crucial part of Liverpool’s revival this season and leaves a gaping hole for Caoimhin Kelleher to fill.
These coming games could be decisive for Liverpool’s title challenge, and Alisson’s absence could affect their momentum.
Liverpool have Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez to deputise for Jota but do not have the commensurate quality to make up for Alisson, who is arguably the best sweeper-keeper in the world.