Liverpool Manager Pushes for FA Calendar Rethink

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has called for a review of the domestic calendar following the injury to his first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker. The Brazil international suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Crystal Palace on October 5 and will remain sidelined until at least the next international break in mid-November. Alisson played in a Champions League match on the Wednesday before his injury occurred during a 12:30 PM kick-off in the Premier League on Saturday.

Slot’s predecessor Jürgen Klopp previously criticized such early fixtures, referring to them as “a crime.” Slot echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the FA consider the potential risks of scheduling Champions League matches followed by early Saturday games. He pointed out that in the Netherlands, teams playing in the Champions League don’t compete on the preceding Sunday allowing for extra recovery time.

Liverpool will host Chelsea on Sunday at 16:30 BST followed by a Champions League fixture against RB Leipzig on Wednesday. Alisson has already missed two games this season due to injury and spent over two months out last season from February to April. Slot noted that while injuries are uncommon for goalkeepers, they can happen as he experienced with his former player at Feyenoord, Justin Bijlow.

With Alisson ruled out for upcoming league matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa as well as Champions League games against RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen, Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is set to step in for Liverpool. Slot emphasized the need for caution, as previous injuries can increase the likelihood of future ones leading the team to closely monitor Alisson’s recovery.