Alisson Reportedly Targets Return Against Manchester United

The majority of Liverpool’s players not off on international duty have been given the week off by manager Jürgen Klopp but there’s at least one player not planning on taking it easy, and that’s Alisson Becker, with the goalkeeper hard at work at Melwood this week.

According to ESPN’s Melissa Reddy, Liverpool’s number one is determined to face Man United following the break and is undergoing intensive individual training with goalkeeper coach John Achterberg—a kind of mini pre-season to get back up to speed.

Liverpool, though, are said to be relaxed about Alisson’s return date given the impressive showing of backup and new summer signing Adrian over the first two months of the season, meaning if there are any doubts about the Brazilian’s fitness he will not start.

Regardless if he is in fact ready to go on the 20th, roughly ten weeks after suffered a minor calf tear in the league opener against Norwich City, it’s both encouraging that Alisson is nearing a return—and that Liverpool are in a position not to have to rush it.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana are the two other non-international first team players who have remained at the club this week to work on their fitness rather than taking a short, early-season break. Xherdan Shaqiri remains sidelined with a calf injury.