Klopp accepts Liverpool ‘short’ on keepers after Alisson injury

Jurgen Klopp admitted he faces a goalkeeping shortage if Alisson Becker is ruled out for a lengthy period after suffering a calf injury in Liverpool’s opening 4-1 win over Norwich on Friday night. Alisson had to come off in the 39th minute against the Canaries having gone down clutching his calf after slipping while playing a goal kick and, though there was no immediate verdict on how serious the problem is, Klopp did not sound optimistic. “It’s the calf and that’s it,” the German said as he ruled the Brazilian out of facing Chelsea in the European Super Cup on Wednesday. “He couldn’t carry on, that’s not a good sign, and we have to see. Wednesday he will not play. With all my experience I can say that already.” Adrian, just four days after signing for the club on a free transfer, came on to make his Reds debut as Alisson hobbled off, and the 32-year-old now stands to start against Chelsea in Istanbul. But whether Klopp is able to select a goalkeeper on the bench remains to be seen with the Reds boss admitting his options are extremely short with the other goalkeeper in the senior squad, Caoimhin Kelleher, recovering from a broken hand. Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian celebrates after his side score a fourth goal (Martin Rickett/PA) “Caoimhin is back in training but he’s not 100 per cent, we have to see how he reacts now,” he said. “One of the younger ones is not allowed to play, he’s only 16, and the other one had an elbow injury early in the pre-season. So yeah, we’re a bit short in that position.” However, Klopp expressed confidence in Adrian’s ability to step in for Alisson. “He is a very confident guy,” he said. “He came in and I don’t think he wanted to only sit on the bench for the next couple of years. He made himself ready. “So yes, it’s a situation, but if you are in a situation like this you want to have somebody who played the league, who is experienced. He’s 32, he’s a calm guy, good with his feet. So a lot of good things. “But you still don’t want to have a situation where (only) one goalie is fit. That’s how it is but we have to see.” Topics Liverpool, Norwich, Adrián, Alisson Becker, Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool, Norwich, Premier League Jurgen Klopp rules Alisson out of Super Cup clash with Chelsea Rugby tackle bags helping Liverpool’s Alisson with Premier League life Liverpool play like Brazil, says Alisson Alisson mistake inevitable, says unconcerned Klopp Steve Bruce knows the contribution of his strikers will shape Newcastle’s season Jose Mourinho has found his next job – but it’s not in management Frank Lampard bans Chelsea players from transfer embargo talk Real Madrid and Barcelona could go head-to-head for Neymar Thomas Meunier insists PSG ‘want to win everything’ Sheffield United’s “Route One” style? Danny Mills, and lazy pundits preventing viewers understanding football better The 11 most desperate deadline day panic buys in Premier League history How to watch Liverpool vs Norwich and every other Premier League game this weekend Essential Fantasy Premier League tips Predicted! FourFourTwo’s 2019/20 Premier League table