Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was omitted from the Liverpool squad to face Everton after a failing a pre-match concussion test.
The goalkeeper’s return to training this week had suggested he would be in line to face the Toffees at Anfield on Wednesday, however, he was not selected in the 20-man squad that was announced 75 minutes before kick-off.
Alisson sustained a head injury in Brazil’s 2-1 win over Colombia during the recent international break, when he was involved in a worrying collision with former Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez. Both players were substituted and Alisson was forced to miss Brazil’s loss to Argentina five days later.
The 32-year-old returned to the UK early and confirmed via social media that he was feeling fine after the alarming incident. Alisson was then seen back in training on Monday, and the following day Arne Slot revealed the Liverpool no.1 would need to be checked by the medical department before being allowed to play against Everton.
However, he did not pass that assessment and was not named in the matchday squad. As per the FA’s guidelines, players are able to train within days of suffering a concussion, but should not return to full-contact matches within three weeks of the incident. Alisson suffered the head injury in the early hours of Friday 21 March (20 March in the USA), less than two weeks ago.
He could, therefore, be a doubt to face Fulham this weekend, but should be fine to feature against West Ham United the following week.
In his place, Liverpool selected Caoimhin Kelleher, who comes in for his first Premier League appearance in exactly four months. The Irishman played eight league games earlier this season due to Alisson’s hamstring injury.
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Kelleher has also made 10 appearances in the cup competitions, most recently in the Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle United.
The goalkeeper wasn’t the only surprise selection against Everton. Curtis Jones returned to the team despite Ryan Gravenbernch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai all starting. It’s likely Gravenberch or Jones will be deployed at right-back with Jarell Quansah dropping to the bench.
Kelleher, Gravenberch/Jones, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson make up the back five, with Mac Allister, Gravenberch/Jones and Szoboszlai in midfield.
In the attacking areas, Slot has opted for Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz. As expected, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley missed out on the squad due to injury.
