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Liverpool began their Premier League title challenge in style, pummeling the newly-promoted Norwich City 4-1 in a classy display of intent. While there was some rust on the defensive end preventing the Reds from keeping a clean sheet, the real blemish on the match was an injury to their star goalkeeper, Alisson Becker.
Last season’s three-time Golden Glove winner had started the match strongly, turning away a number of good attempts from an adventurous Canaries side eager to breach goal at the Kop end. However, the Brazilian slipped while attempting a goal kick towards the end of the opening period, immediately clutching his knee.
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Hearts were in mouths around the grounds as the stretcher was brought onto the field but the 26-year-old mustered the strength to limp off with assistance from the staff, an act from the goalkeeper that seemed aimed at reassuring a fretful Anfield more than anything else.
Manager, Jürgen Klopp was somber in the press conference following the game despite the win:
“The Ali situation is a shadow on the game,” he explained.
“He thought something hit him on the calf, that’s never a good sign. Sportsmen know what I mean when I say that!
“That means it’s probably more than a strain. We have to see, make a diagnosis in the morning, but it doesn’t look good."
The newly-signed Adrián was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, coming into finish out the game.
“Adrian, we brought him in for situations like that. He’s experienced, he’s calm, really good in possession,” Klopp continued.
“We have a little problem: No. 3. Caoimhin Kelleher is coming back but not 100 percent fit yet. So we have to think again.”
“It’s the calf and that’s it. He couldn’t carry on, that’s not a good sign. We have to see.”
Further tests are still to come on Alisson but the German confirmed the obvious that his No. 1 will be unavailable for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup clash with Chelsea and potentially longer if it is deemed serious.