Arne Slot says he does not need to rush Alisson Becker back from injury due to the form of Caoimhin Kelleher.
Liverpool’s first choice goalkeeper has been out injured since a hamstring injury forced him off against Crystal Palace at the start of October.
The 31-year-old stepped up his recovery during the international break and is set to return to action before the end of the month.
He has watched from the sidelines as Kelleher has stepped up and excelled in his absence, which has not forced Alisson into a quick return, limiting the chance of further problems.
“I have been clear, a few weeks ago, about what my position is about the goalkeepers,” Slot said. “We are just waiting for the moment that Alisson is completely fit because Caoimhin is doing too well to put Alisson in goal if he is only on 50 per cent.”
“That would not be good for Alisson or the team. He’s getting there. It might take a few more extra days but he is getting closer and closer. The end phase of a rehab is always the period where you feel like is he really there or does he need a few extra days. He will be in goal before the end of December if things continue like they are.”
Kelleher has excelled in Alisson’s absence (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The injury list has been creeping up in recent weeks. Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa were again absent for the game against Manchester City.
Slot was also without three senior defenders, Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate and Kostas Tsimikas, leaving him with few defensive options.
“We have nine games coming up in this month so to go into that month with only five defenders is not ideal, but it’s part of everyone’s season — we played just as many games in October and in January,”said Slot.
“Whenever you have got some injuries in a certain line, it’s always a bit of a worry but I trust the players that they do everything they can to stay fit and we have to take smart decisions to keep them available. You cannot have a month where you don’t have the results because they (other teams) will be back.”
Liverpool are lacking in fullback cover with centre-back Jarell Quansah coming on as a substitute for Trent Alexander-Arnold against Manchester City.
Slot admits he will have to be creative with his selections during a busy December schedule while managing the fitness of Alexander-Arnold who has only returned from injury.
“(At fullback) We have to be creative for the moment that we cannot use Trent,” said Slot. “Last weekend against City, we didn’t think it was smart to play Trent for 90 minutes after his injury. That’s probably going be the same tomorrow and on Saturday
“We have to be creative. For me playing Jarell over there is not so creative, he’s able to play there. But if we need Jarell as a centre-back because one of the other centre-back’s can’t continue then we need to be even more creative.”
GO DEEPER
Smooth Criminal lean, flexible hands: Kelleher’s technique that makes him a penalty expert
(Top photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
