Alisson still out! Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expects goalkeeper to miss Real Madrid showdown despite return to training

The Brazilian suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace last month, with Caoimhin Kelleher deputising in his place for Liverpool. Despite resuming individual training, head coach Slot stressed the 32-year-old won't be rushed back, seemingly ruling him out of their crunch clashes with Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City in the coming week or so.

He told reporters: "We are careful with everyone, especially when it comes to muscle injuries. But [Alisson] is back in training with the goalkeeper coach. He is not training with the team yet, but that is expected to be done soon, and then let’s wait and see where he is in terms of match fitness. But he is getting better and better, but not ready to play [on] Sunday."

He added: "With Alisson and [Diogo] Jota, I don’t expect them to be available for that game [against Madrid]."

Alisson is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world and his presence will be missed but Kelleher is doing an admirable job in between the sticks in his absence. But getting him back fit for the long season ahead, rather than rushing him back, is key.

Slot's table-topping side return to Premier League action on Sunday away to lowly Southampton, before hosting Madrid at Anfield next Wednesday. They then face a huge encounter at home to City on December 1.