Alisson to hand Liverpool difficult selection question after injury update

Alisson Becker could return from injury just in time to give Liverpool a huge boost in their fight to land a treble.

With the Carabao Cup already in the bag, Liverpool want to see Jurgen Klopp off in style with a Premier League title and Europa League victory in Dublin.

To do so they'll have to be at their very best - and they'll want Alisson, who has missed the last 10 games in all competitions with a hamstring injury suffered in training, fit and available. But will it be as simple as putting him straight back into the starting line-up? The form of Caoimhin Kelleher has ensured that Klopp will be handed a selection dilemma when Alisson does return.

Our ECHO writers have their say:

Ian Doyle: It wasn't that long ago people believed Alisson Becker was the one player whose absence would signal the end of Liverpool's hopes of Premier League glory this season.

While no player is irreplaceable, some are more difficult to replace than others. And as arguably the best goalkeeper in the world - certainly on his form this campaign - it appeared the Reds would have a difficult task should the Brazilian join their lengthy list of absentees.

But although the worst came to the worst regards Alisson's fitness, the fears Liverpool's title challenge would fall apart have proven unfounded. The reason, of course, has been the form of Caoimhin Kelleher who, after such a long time in the shadows, has emerged as a senior keeper of significant repute having benefited from a consistent run of games.

With Alisson not expected back until late April at the earliest, Kelleher will continue for the time being. What, though, should happen when the number one finally returns to action?

There is both the short and long-term to consider. Having now had a proper taste of first-team football, Kelleher will surely be loathe to hand over the gloves, and any hasty decision could prompt the Republic of Ireland to consider even more intensely his future in the summer, even if the departing Jurgen Klopp have to to deal with that.

But Alisson is the better goalkeeper. And his return would hardly cause much disruption among a team that has long been accustomed to having the shot-stopper performing heroics behind them.

There is, though, a compromise available to Klopp. Alisson's expected return will most likely be after Liverpool's Europa League quarter-final against Atalanta, and should the Reds progress, Kelleher could perhaps continue in a competition where he has started all but one of eight games thus far, leaving his Brazilian team-mate to resume in the Premier League. Job done

Tom Cavilla: Liverpool will be eagerly awaiting the return of Alisson Becker as they prepare for the Premier League run-in.

While there can be no disputing Caoimhin Kelleher has deputised effectively in the absence of the Brazilian, to suggest the Reds’ No.1 has not been missed would be wrong.

There is a reason Liverpool find themselves firmly in the title race with 10 matches to go, and Alisson is very much at the heart of that. The 31-year-old has produced several vital saves at key moments this season and continues to act as a player of great importance each time he steps out onto the pitch.

Kelleher did particularly well in the recent top-of-the-table showdown with Manchester City at Anfield, displaying effective decision-making throughout the game, though shipping four at Manchester United represented an afternoon to forget. Would all four of the goals scored by Erik ten Hag’s men have gone in with the world’s best shot-stopper between the sticks? It’s unlikely.

Liverpool require no reminding of how fine the margins are when battling for top spot, having missed out on two titles to City by a single point. On this occasion, Klopp being able to call upon Alisson could make all the difference between finishing first and second.

Joe Rimmer: There really should be a very simple answer to this question, and that's putting Alisson straight back into the starting line-up.

He is, after all, the best goalkeeper in the world. Surely that cannot be disputed?

But in Caoimhin Kelleher they an elite deputy who has earned his place in the side during Alisson's absence, and if his and Liverpool's excellent form continues then why rock the boat by making a change in a key position? Hasn't he earned the right to stay put?

Yes and no. Kelleher has been excellent over the past 10 games, but Alisson has been brilliant over the past six years, and therefore he must be reinstalled as number one when he is fit.

Kelleher can still be handed the Europa League matches - and final if Liverpool get there - but Alisson is simply too good to be left out with everything on the line for the Reds.