Liverpool gets Alisson injury boost after seven-match absence ahead of crucial run

Alisson is that has ruled him out of Liverpool's last seven matches.

The Reds' No.1 was substituted during the second half of a win against Crystal Palace at the beginning of October and did not figure in any of matches between the October and November international breaks.

has started eight games for Liverpool this season — the same amount as Alisson — and has long since proven himself to be a brilliant deputy to the Brazilian.

Kelleher has kept four clean sheets for Liverpool having conceded five goals this term, while Alisson has kept five clean sheets, shipping just three goals.

It is virtually undeniable that Liverpool has the best crop of goalkeepers in the Premier League, but although Kelleher has acquitted himself expertly over the last few weeks, .

"First of all, Alisson needs to become fit," Slot said over the weekend. "I have always been quite clear, that's always been the position of Alisson. He is and will be our first goalkeeper if he is fit. But first he needs to be fit. But Caoimh has done outstanding, last season and this season again as well but the moment Alisson is fit, he will be our first goalkeeper."

Former Red John Aldridge dismissed the idea that Alisson should come straight back into the team given how well Kelleher has done. "Caoimhin Kelleher has been magnificent and I actually think Arne Slot has got a really big decision to make in the next few weeks. Once Alisson is fit, I don’t think it’s fair if Kelleher gets demoted to the bench,” Aldridge wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.

“I think he’s been absolutely first-class. He’s been faultless with everything he has done in the games, and I think Ali will be looking at it and be embarrassed if he went back in because he’s done such a good job."

Kelleher revealed earlier in the season that he wanted to leave Liverpool in the summer in order to become a No.1 goalkeeper elsewhere. “My mission is to go out and play, and be a number one," he said in September. "It has been reported that Liverpool had rejected a few bids as well. It is not always in my hands to make the decision.”