Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson will remain absent from the Reds’ double-header friendly against Athletic Club later today, This Is Anfield understands.
The Brazilian departed the club’s pre-season tour early in order to attend a personal matter, missing the friendly win over Yokohama FM consequently.
His wife, Natalia, has since explained via her Instagram that she has undergone an operation and is now recovering, with that seemingly the reason for Alisson‘s quick absence and return to Brazil.
“Thank God, to the wonderful team that served me and all the love I received,” Alisson‘s wife wrote. “Everything is evolving well. Thanks to all who sent messages.”
In Alisson‘s absence, Giorgi Mamardashvili played the full 90 minutes and the new signing is expected to play the first match against Athletic this evening (5pm).
It means that new signing Freddie Woodman should get the nod for the second friendly (8pm).
Whether Alisson will return in time for Sunday’s Community Shield against Crystal Palace at Wembley isn’t yet clear, but it would perhaps be more likely at this stage that Mamardashvili will make his competitive debut instead.
Arne Slot is expected to field two separate XIs for the matches this evening, with youngsters such as Kieran Morrison and Trent Kone-Doherty among those set to be among the substitutes.
Liverpool will be sporting their new adidas home kits for both matches at Anfield, while live music will be provided by musician Marc Kenny between the two fixtures against the Spanish side.
How you can watch Liverpool vs. Athletic Club
You can tune in to see the 5pm and 8pm starts of Liverpool vs. Athletic Club live around the world via LFCTV, which is available on All Red video here.
If you’re otherwise occupied on Monday and want to keep up to date on the happenings at Anfield, This Is Anfield’s matchday live blog will be up and running from 4.30pm (BST) and then 7.30pm.
You can also catch all the post-match reaction and analysis on TIA throughout the evening and into Tuesday.