Slot Assesses Alisson's Palace Availability as Mamardashvili Sidelined

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has brushed aside speculation surrounding Alisson's future at Anfield, insisting the club remains focused solely on his return to action rather than entertaining transfer gossip.

The Brazilian stopper has been absent since picking up a hamstring problem during the Champions League victory over Galatasaray last month, leaving Liverpool to navigate recent fixtures without their talismanic number one. Recent reports have linked both Inter Milan and Juventus with moves for the 332-cap goalkeeper, who arrived on Merseyside for £67m from Roma in summer 2018.

"I am only focused on the short-term future, which is getting him back into goal as soon as possible," Slot told reporters. "All these rumours that are out there, about him, about me and about others. We don't react to rumours in this room. We only react when facts need to be told and that is not the situation at the moment."

The injury crisis has deepened with summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili ruled out indefinitely after sustaining a nasty cut during the Merseyside derby, forcing Slot to lean on third-choice Freddie Woodman. The Liverpool boss remains cautiously optimistic about Alisson's prospects for Saturday's trip to Selhurst Park, though acknowledged the timeline remains uncertain.

"Ali is close to returning to play. Let's see if tomorrow comes too early," Slot explained. "No Giorgi will definitely not be available tomorrow and not for the upcoming weeks. That leaves Freddie as an option who is definitely fit."

Woodman's sole previous Liverpool outing came against Palace in the Carabao Cup, an encounter best forgotten after conceding three in a cup exit. Yet Slot harbours no concerns about deploying the 29-year-old, highlighting his pedigree and professionalism.

"I think for a reason we have signed an experienced third goalkeeper," the Dutchman said. "Usually, you don't need him that much, but there could be a situation where one gets injured and another gets suspended, then it is needed to have a third goalkeeper with experience."

Slot pointed to Woodman's youth international credentials—winning the Euros with England's Under-17s and the World Cup with the Under-20s—alongside his Championship experience at Newcastle as evidence of his readiness for Premier League action. Beyond his technical qualities, Slot praised his character within the squad.

"Apart from that, he is a good man and is very liked in the dressing room. That is very important for a third goalkeeper, if he is not playing. He is ready for it, but it will always be helpful if the fans are there to support him tomorrow."