Alisson Becker’s injury prevents Liverpool from having a strong goalkeeping lineup against LASK.Notwithstanding Alisson Becker’s injury setback, Caomhin Kelleher was already scheduled to make his most recent Liverpool appearance in the Europa League.
The Republic of Ireland international will undoubtedly start goalkeeping for the Reds in the cup this season. Although Kelleher has always been the team captain for the Carabao Cup, his promotion to Europe’s second division gives him the chance to play in more games this year.
Despite being heavily linked to leaving Anfield in the summer, assistant manager Pep Lijnders said that he stayed because of Jurgen Klopp’s promise of more games and perspective.
When LASK visits Anfield this season, Kelleher will be making his sixth appearance of the year—two more than he did the previous one. In actuality, he might be set up for a long tenure in the squad should Alisson—who appeared to have suffered a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw against Manchester City—be forced to miss time.
But it means Liverpool won’t have many senior backup alternatives when they play Austrian team LASK on Thursday night.
Adrian’s exclusion from the Reds’ Europa League group stage roster explains this. Due to UEFA regulations, Klopp was forced to leave out a player from his starting lineup. In an effort to support Ben Doak’s good growth, he ultimately chose to give him a start even though he isn’t qualified to be on “List B” because he hasn’t played for Anfield in two years.
Consequently, it is possible that one of the replacements for Vitezslav Jaros or Fabian Mrozek will be included. Jaros, 22, a native of the Czech Republic, has more experience than the other player because he has spent time on loan at Patrick Thistle, Notts County, and Stockport County. This season, he has made two appearances for the under-21 team in the Premier League International Cup. Mrozek, a 20-year-old Polish stopper, has played five games for the junior team of Barry Lewtas in 2023–24.
Fans might be more familiar with Marcelo Pitaluga’s name. The 20-year-old, a youth international for Brazil, was bought from Fluminense and made an impression when on loan at Macclesfield, a non-league team, last season. Pitaluga, Jaros, and Mrozek were not included in the under-21 team’s lineup during last night’s 3-1 Lancashire Senior Cup loss to Burnley.
Actually, there’s a chance that the team will include two rookie goalkeepers. Up to 12 substitutes may be named by Liverpool, and many players are expected to miss the match, including Diogo Jota, who left the game hobbling against City.
When Kelleher sustained a knee injury during last month’s 2-0 Europa League victory over Union SG, Jaros and Mrozek got a taste of first-team play. They could try it again, and Pitaluga is an additional choice.
