Liverpool have much work to do to salvage their season following a disappointing collapse last week.
Heading into Thursday’s game against Atalanta, the Reds were looking all set to for a brilliant end to the season.
Well placed to battle for two trophies, there was a strong chance they’d send Jurgen Klopp off on a high.
Fast forward seven days, and things are looking rather different. Of course, Liverpool could still turn things around and win both trophies left on offer to them. But a 3-0 Anfield loss against Atalanta was followed by Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat by Crystal Palace. The fanbase has been left crestfallen and the season hanging by a thread.
Things aren’t over just yet, though. First up, the Reds have the chance to put things right this evening against Atalanta. To progress is going to take an all-time great Liverpool European performance. Thankfully, they can at least count on Alisson Becker again. And the Reds No.1 is feeling good ahead of the game.
Alisson feeling good for Liverpool
It has been strange to be without Alisson for so long this season. The Brazilian ended up missing 15 games between the start of February and mid-April.
In his absence, Liverpool kept their season afloat. Caoimhin Kelleher stepped up brilliantly for the large part to ensure that the Reds are still fighting upon Alisson’s return.
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But despite Kelleher’s excellence, there’s no question that the 31-year-old coming back is a major boost for Liverpool ahead of the run-in.
And, thankfully, speaking to LFCTV last night, Alisson said that he’s feeling in even better shape than before his injury.
“It was hard but I have a strong family on my side, my kids, my wife, the physio department, everybody helped me a lot to be back in good shape,” say the goalie.
“I feel better than I was when I got injured so that’s a good sign. I’m looking forward to the game tomorrow and for the rest of the season.”
Will Alisson start for Liverpool tonight
Throughout the season, the Europa League campaign has been used to give Kelleher his minutes. Alisson has only featured once in the competition, when the Irishman was injured himself earlier in the campaign.
But it had always felt likely that Alisson may return for the business end of the competition. It’s likely that the Brazil international would have played the full knockout stages had he been available.
Besides that, Kelleher has now played more games than his teammate this season. 26 to 25. There’s no need to play the 25-year-old if Alisson is available.
As a result, we’d be absolutely stunned if Liverpool don’t have their No.1 back between the sticks in Italy. Alisson reminded everyone of just how good he is on Sunday with a ridiculous point-blank save from Jean-Philippe Mateta. More of the same tonight would be wonderful, Ali.