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Liverpool’s run-in has been complicated by a goalkeeping injury crisis, with Alisson Becker sidelined and backup Giorgi Mamardashvili also unavailable.
It has been a stop-start campaign between the sticks for the Liverpool No. 1. Alisson missed a significant chunk of the autumn with a hamstring injury picked up in October, keeping him out for around two months before returning over the festive period.
A minor muscular issue in February then cost him a further handful of matches, with Mamardashvili stepping in admirably during those spells.
The latest blow came in training, and caused him to miss Brazil’s friendlies over the March international break.
To make matters worse, summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili is also unavailable. The Georgia international picked up a nasty wound during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Everton, ruling him out of the immediate run-in. The timing could hardly be worse, with Marmardashivil expected to be out for at least three weeks.
According to the Athletic, Alisson is targeting a return to action when Liverpool travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on May 3.
That timeline, however, leaves Arne Slot’s side without their first-choice stopper for the home fixture against Crystal Palace this Saturday.
It’s starting look likely that Woodman then will be trusted to start between the sticks at the weekend.
When quizzed on whether he would be in-between the posts for Crystal Palace at Anfield this coming Saturday, the 29-year-old said post-Everton:
“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,” he said
“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.”
