Reason Arne Slot dropped Alisson Becker for Liverpool’s conflict with Everton

Reason Arne Slot dropped Alisson Becker for Liverpool’s conflict with Everton

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has named his team for the Merseyside derby against Everton with Caoimhin Kelleher starting in goal and Curtis Jones at right-back

Caoimhin Kelleher and Alisson Becker of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on February 11, 2025 in Kirkby, England.
Caoimhin Kelleher will start ahead of Alisson Becker

Caoimhin Kelleher steps in for Alisson Becker between the sticks for Liverpool, while Curtis Jones is set to start at right-back against Everton at Anfield.

Alisson was concussed during Brazil’s match against Colombia on March 21 and sat out the second game of the international break as Argentina thrashed Selecao 4-1.

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Despite returning to regular training this week, the No.1 keeper is ruled out of the Merseyside derby.

Following a collision with Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez, Liverpool decided not to gamble with their goalie’s health.

This means Kelleher gets his first Premier League outing since the 3-3 draw at Newcastle in December, with Vitezslav Jaros warming the bench.

Arne Slot
Arne Slot made a big call ahead of the clash(Image: PA)

Jones takes up position on the right of the back four as Jarell Quansah is benched after starting in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United on March 16.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez all nursing injuries, Arne Slot has chosen midfielder Jones over centre-half Quansah for the role, expecting the Reds to boss the ball in the 246th clash between these two local foes, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The midfield remains unchanged from the Wembley loss, with Ryan Gravenberch, who was sent home early from Netherlands duty as a precaution, lining up alongside Alexis Mac Allister.

Dominik Szoboszlai is the furthest forward of the midfield trio.

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Up front, Mohamed Salah is aiming to increase his tally of 32 goals in all competitions from the right wing, while Luis Diaz keeps Cody Gakpo benched on the left.

Diogo Jota spearheads the attack with Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez waiting in the wings.

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