Liverpool hit by brutal injury blow as goalkeeper Alisson to miss crunch fixtures after being ruled out with 'serious hamstring injury'

Alisson was helped off in the second half of Liverpool's win against Crystal Palace with an obvious hamstring issue. Unfortunately for the Reds, the 32-year-old's injury is serious - he underwent a scan to determine the severity of the problem and will now miss at least seven games, according to The Times.

Alisson isn't expected to return to action until late November. It means he will miss a tricky stretch that includes seven games in 20 days, with backup Caoimhin Kelleher set to fill in for games against Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion twice, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa.

Alisson's injury history is a growing concern for Liverpool. A hamstring issue has already caused him to miss two games this season, and he missed 10 Premier League matches last campaign. The Reds' signing of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will move to Anfield next summer, will increase competition for places between the sticks.

Kelleher showed his credentials last season, making 26 appearances in all competitions, and the Irishman will now get the chance to show why he feels he deserves to be a No.1 goalkeeper.