Liverpool defeated Arsenal 3-1 on Saturday to move into sole possession of first place in the Premier League. Despite the Reds’ dominance, there were moments in the first half in which Arsenal had their chances to score.
One moment came in which goalkeeper Adrian rushed out of his goal to clear the ball yet it fell right to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who just missed scoring in an open net. Adrian had no reason to rush out, as he would in the second half to head a ball to his defence, thanks to Virgil van Dijk dealing with the Arsenal attack.
Although Adrian has stepped in unexpectedly for Alisson Becker and done well overall, his continued rash decisions are a reminder that Alisson Becker is needed in goal.
When will Alisson be back in net?
Alisson sustained a calf injury 16 days ago in Liverpool’s opening day win over Norwich City. The Brazilian left the pitch after making a clearance which followed on shortly after a diving save to deny a Norwich City goal scoring opportunity.
The goalkeeper has since been in a walking boot as he recovers from a calf muscle tear. It is believed the injury is a Grade-2 tear, which is not the most serious but not a minor injury.
Alisson was expected to miss up to six weeks with the injury although no definitive return date has been confirmed. So far, Alisson has been out only two weeks and would have another month out of action if the six-week timeframe is to be believed. Alisson would be available around September 20th if he is out for the full six weeks. Again, that all depends on the magnitude of the calf injury and the way in which the muscle heals.
Jurgen Klopp on Alisson
Prior to Liverpool’s weekend match at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp spoke about Alisson and a possible return.
“[Alisson] Looks good, he’s in good shape, good mood, but it will take time. I don’t know exactly,” Klopp explained.
“No date really in my mind, or nobody told me a date, I didn’t ask. We want to give him the time he needs.
“In the beginning, he was on crutches, which was normal with the injury he had, they are not there now. He walks normal, he can really train now completely different to a week ago.
“I think from now on it will go quick but how quick I don’t [know].”
Why do Liverpool need Alisson back?
It must be said Alisson has made some very good saves but also mistakes. Since being drafted into the team, Adrian has made at least one goalkeeping error per match.
In the UEFA Super Cup, he gave away a penalty in extra-time after it was determined he took out Tammy Abraham. In his first Premier League start against Southampton, Adrian cleared a back pass right into Danny Ings’ boot which sent the ball into the back of the net.
His previously mentioned rush out of goal to clear the ball versus Arsenal was his mistake on Saturday. It needs to be reiterated that Adrian has made some good saves in each game.
He is by no means an upgrade over Alisson but no worse than Simon Mignolet, who left in the offseason believing his first-team opportunities were over.
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