Early Liverpool team news: Slot to make late goalkeeper call

Early Liverpool team news: Slot to make late goalkeeper call

Arne Slot has said he will make a late call on who starts in goal for Liverpool against Crystal Palace this weekend.

Liverpool were forced to call upon third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman as a substitute during last weekend’s 2-1 win at Everton.

Woodman was introduced from the bench after Giorgi Mamardashvili suffered a knee injury that will sideline the Georgian goalkeeper for several weeks. Mamardashvili had been deputising for first-choice Alisson Becker, who has been out with a hamstring injury.

Discussing this weekend’s clash, Slot said he will make a late call on who plays against Palace. Alisson has returned to training but remains doubtful to feature at Anfield.

“No Giorgi [Mamardashvili] will definitely not be available tomorrow and not for the upcoming weeks,” Slot told the media on Friday.

“Alli [Alisson] is close to returning to play. Let’s see if tomorrow comes too early.

“That leaves Freddie [Woodman] as an option who is definitely fit.”

Slot’s future at Liverpool has come under scrutiny after a disappointing campaign for the champions. The Reds are closing in on Champions League qualification, at which point attention will start to turn to next season.

Asked about the club’s plans for next season, Slot added: “As I said so many times, I am mainly only [focusing] on the short and mid-to-long term, but mainly my time is on the short term.