Liverpool is expected to have Alisson and Ryan Gravenberch available for next week’s Merseyside derby, despite the pair recently suffering with injuries.
Alisson travelled to Brazil off the back of the Carabao Cup final and lined up in the Selecao’s World Cup qualifier against Colombia last week, but he had to be taken off during the second half after a clash of heads with Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez.
The Liverpool goalkeeper was subsequently ruled out of Brazil’s meeting with Argentina this week, which it lost 4-1, returning to Merseyside to be assessed by the Reds’ medical staff.
In the hours after the collision, Brazil’s team doctor said that initial assessments suggested Alisson was fine. He said: “Alisson is normal, without any complaints. He did not report any fainting or memory loss. He thought he was a little slower. With this complaint, the recommended replacement is the player.”
Alisson provided his own update over the following days, saying: “Hey guys, just to let you know I’m fine. Just have to follow the protocols! Thanks for the messages.” Meanwhile, Gravenberch is also set to be available against Everton, despite withdrawing from the Netherlands squad for its Nations League games against Spain.
“The midfielder is still suffering from an injury sustained over the weekend that prevents him from playing in the matches against Spain,” the Netherlands’ national team said on social media. It is reported by Mail Online that Gravenberch’s withdrawal was precautionary and that he, like Alisson, should be ready to play against the Toffees.
Liverpool is set to remain without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley for a while yet, though, which is likely to mean Jarell Quansah will continue at right-back for the foreseeable future. Alexander-Arnold is recovering from an ankle sprain sustained against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, while Gomez and Bradley have hamstring problems, with Gomez having undergone surgery on his injury in February.
“Joe Gomez had surgery for his hamstring injury, so he’s out for a long time,” Liverpool head coach Arne Slot said last month. “He will be back maybe just before the end of the season.”
It is not clear when Bradley is expected to return, but Alexander-Arnold is targeting a return at some point in April, suggesting he has not yet played his last game for the Reds. The right-back is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer in the off-season after being offered an improved wage at Madrid, on top of a huge signing-on fee which will be spread over the length of his contract in the Spanish capital.
Alexander-Arnold could make his debut for Madrid as early as June 18, when the La Liga giant takes on Al-Hilal in its opening game at the Club World Cup.
