Image Credits: Imago Images
Sunday’s 2-1 Merseyside derby win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium ended in scenes of pure euphoria thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s 100th-minute header, but the celebrations were tempered by a worrying image just 30 minutes earlier – Giorgi Mamardashvili being carried off on a stretcher after a nasty collision in the lead-up to Beto’s equaliser.
The Georgian, who has been deputising for the hamstring-injured Alisson Becker for large parts of the run-in, came together with both Beto and Andy Robertson as the Everton striker slid in to level the scores.
Mamardashvili immediately went down clutching his leg, and after several minutes of on-field treatment it became clear he could not continue, forcing Arne Slot to hand Freddie Woodman an unexpected Premier League debut.
Speaking after the match, Slot confirmed the 25-year-old had been taken straight to hospital, describing the issue as a “big wound – an open wound” rather than anything structural. The Dutchman played down fears of a long-term absence but admitted he was unsure whether Mamardashvili would be available for next weekend’s home clash with Crystal Palace.
While there was some worry post-match, the Georgian has taken to social media to say “everything is fine” and that he will be “back soon”:
“Thank God everything is fine. Thank you all so much for your support and for being by my side. I’ll be back soon.”
“Big win in the derby and 3 points.”
With Alisson still not back to full fitness and Mamardashvili’s status in the air, Woodman could be in line to start his first Premier League game against the very opponents in Crystal Palace he faced on his overall Liverpool debut back in October’s Carabao Cup tie.
However, speaking after the game, Woodman said:
“I’m not sure about that Ali, if he plays, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. So, listen, I hope he’s back fit.”
“I hope Georgie is going to recover well. And, listen, I’ll just keep doing my role to the best I can. And that’s exactly what I’ve tried to all season.”
“Just try to be ready for, you know, 20 minutes, 10 minutes when needed. And that’s what I’ve had to do.”
