Alisson injury update: Progress and potential return date for Liverpool goalkeeper

Liverpool romped to a 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham United on Wednesday night but did so in the absence of star goalkeeper Alisson.

The Brazilian has emerged as arguably the best shot-stopper in world football since joining the Reds from Roma in 2018, playing over 250 games in all competitions and winning the Champions League and Premier League alongside other cup triumphs.

However, while Liverpool have enjoyed a largely positive start to life without Jurgen Klopp under new head coach Arne Slot, they've had to make do without their Brazilian number one while he recovers from a muscle complaint.

So when will he return to action? Here's the latest news about Alisson's injury, recovery and potential return date.

What injury does Alisson have?

Alisson played in Liverpool's first Champions League fixture of the season, largely having little to do as his side ran out 3-1 winners against Milan at San Siro. However, reports of a hamstring blow began to emerge and manager Slot then revealed his goalkeeper was doubtful to play in his side's Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

He said: "Alisson is still a doubt if he can train today, so let's wait [to see] if he can train. Then, if he can't then he will probably not play as well, so we have to wait and see.

"[Alisson] has a slight issue with one of his muscles and we wonder if this game tomorrow is coming too early or not. I think he did not take it from the Milan game, it happened a bit before, but after the Milan game he felt more and more.

"Now we have to wait to see if he is ready to be in goal tomorrow, or we have to wait a few more extra days."

Alisson had criticised the increased workload placed on players by the expansion of the Champions League prior to officially being ruled out of action.

When will Alisson return from injury?

Slot confirmed at a press conference on Friday that Alisson is back in training and should be available for Saturday's trip to Wolves.

"We think he is (ready to return). He trained with the group yesterday," Slot said.

Who can replace Alisson at Liverpool?

Injury woes aren't a new phenomenon for Alisson. The 31-year-old was absent for large chunks of the 2023/24 campaign due to various blows, allowing understudy Caoimhin Kelleher to play 26 matches in all competitions.

The Republic of Ireland international made a number of important contributions while filling in, playing the Carabao Cup final and making nine saves before Virgil van Dijk's extra-time header won the silverware for Klopp's kids at Wembley Stadium.

Kelleher remains the number two goalie under Slot despite voicing his desire to become a regular starter elsewhere during the summer transfer window. How long he sticks around at Anfield beyond this campaign remains to be seen, but Liverpool are in pretty safe hands with Kelleher whenever Alisson is sidelined.

As the starting goalkeeper for one of the top Premier League teams, Alisson is always healthily backed by Fantasy Premier League players each season. He's in little over a tenth of all FPL teams ahead of Gameweek 6.

Slot seems positive that Alisson will be able to play this weekend, so he's the one to blame if you select the Brazilian and he doesn't make the Reds' starting lineup.

Liverpool's injuries elsewhere are minimal. Midfielder Harvey Elliott is the only other player currently ruled out from featuring at Molineux.