Kelleher To Start Again For Liverpool, Alisson Targets Weekend Return

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Caoimhin Kelleher will continue in goal for the Carabao Cup third-round tie against West Ham United, with Alisson Becker aiming for a return in the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Kelleher impressed in his last outing, keeping a clean sheet in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth. Slot praised the Republic of Ireland international, highlighting his impressive pre-season form and performances for his national team.

“It’s sure that Caoimh will be in goal tomorrow,” Slot confirmed at his pre-match press conference. “Alisson is getting there, but I think this game is coming just a bit too early. We’re looking at the weekend against Wolves, but it’s going to be tight. Let’s see if he manages to be there.”

Slot also discussed the fitness of summer signing Federico Chiesa, confirming he is not yet ready for a full 90 minutes but is capable of starting.

“I don’t think he’s able to play 90 minutes,” Slot said. “He only played 25 now as a maximum in the last three, four, five months. I don’t think he played any friendlies at Juve as well. But he can start, in our opinion. Let’s see if he will. There are many options we have.”

While confirming a potential rotation for the West Ham game, Slot emphasised that he will field the strongest possible team, considering factors like fatigue and fitness levels.

“I want all of them to play – unfortunately, that’s not possible because you can only name 11,” Slot said. “But we will play with the best possible team, and that can sometimes also mean that other players that have played a lot are maybe a bit more tired. So that means, because the differences are so small, that I will select different players for this game.”