Alisson Becker could make his Carabao Cup debut this evening four years after he joined the club from AS Roma as the Reds face Arsenal.
The Brazilian joined Liverpool for £67million in 2018 and after signing a fresh contract in the summer worth a reported £190,000/week, he could make his debut in the EFL Cup in the semi-final of the tournament.
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Arsenal travel to Anfield this evening in the rearranged first leg of the last four and while Caoimhin Kelleher was brilliant against Leicester City and deserves to continue in goal, it makes sense for Alisson to return if he’s fully fit and recovered after testing positive for COVID-19.
It’s one that fans can really dig into a debate as you could argue that Liverpool wouldn’t be in this semi-final if it weren’t for the 23-year-old but on the other hand, when your best players are fit, you have to play them.
Especially at a time when the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, Thiago and Divock Origi are all unavailable.
It might not be the most glamorous trophy but the EFL Cup is a trophy that Jurgen Klopp is yet to add to his trophy cabinet as Liverpool boss and with the Premier League title race already stretching beyond the Reds’ influence, the Reds might have to take what they can this season.
Fortunately, even if Alisson is a bit rough around the edges after being in isolation and not being able to train and play, Liverpool don’t have to win the tie tonight as it’s a two-legged affair.
The Reds are famous for winning cup ties over two legs and while they’ve been forced to concede the home advantage in the second leg, Klopp will be hoping it doesn’t influence the result too much.