Liverpool star who has already asked to leave Anfield may start against Bournemouth

Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher may be given a rare chance to shine this weekend due to concerns over Alisson’s fitness. The Brazilian shot-stopper is doubtful for the Bournemouth clash at Anfield after sustaining a muscle injury, although it’s not yet confirmed whether he’ll be ruled out.

In his pre-match press conference, Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot stated: “He 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 (AC) 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.”

If Alisson doesn’t recover in time, it could pave the way for Kelleher’s first appearance of the season. The 25-year-old Irishman has been Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper since breaking into the team under Jurgen Klopp.

Last season, he made 26 appearances across all competitions, including ten Premier League games as Alisson battled with an injury. However, he hasn’t featured so far this season.

His potential appearance comes shortly after he expressed his wish to leave Anfield in search of regular first-team football. A few weeks ago, he stated: “I made it clear in the last few years, I want to go be a No.1 and play week in, week out.

“The club made the decision to get another goalkeeper. From the outside looking in, it looks like they have made a decision to go in another direction.

“My ambition has always been clear the last few seasons that I want to be a No.1, playing week in, week out. Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like it is 100 per cent my decision but at times, it is not always in my hands.”

Slot responded to Kelleher’s request shortly after. He claimed that he could understand his stance but suggested that the welfare of his side came first.

The Dutchman said: “Maybe (he has to think of himself), but we have to make decisions as well. It’s not only the player. If you work at a club like Liverpool, you need competition and you need a lot of good players.

“Like I said, (Giorgi) Mamardashvili is someone for the long-term future of the club and I’m really, really happy with the goalkeepers we have at the moment.”

Kelleher has two years remaining on the long-term contract he signed with Liverpool in 2021. He looks set to face more competition at Anfield next term with Valencia stopper Mamardashvili set to arrive next summer.