Who is Vitezslav Jaros? Meet the Liverpool ace who saved Arne Slot at Crystal Palace

Vitezslav Jaros was the unlikely hero for Liverpool during their recent victory over Crystal Palace, coming off the bench to replace Alisson after the Brazilian international’s latest injury setback.

Jaros popped up late on in the game at Selhurst Park to protect his side’s clean sheet and ensure Liverpool’s sensational start under new manager Arne Slot continued.

The 23-year-old lining up between the sticks was a surprise sight, mainly because Liverpool are used to seeing Caoimhin Kelleher deputise whenever Alisson hasn’t been available.

Jaros had originally been signed by Liverpool back in 2017 when he joined the club’s academy set-up, but had to wait until 2020 to earn his promotion to the senior side.

The Czech-born shot-stopper was named as an unused substitute for some of Liverpool’s League Cup and Champions League fixtures during the 2020/21 campaign.

However, Jaros didn’t ever the see the pitch in a competitive game for Liverpool, with the 2021/22 season marking the first of several loan moves.

A stint with St Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland was followed up by spells at Notts County and Stockport County, before Jaros made the move to Austria and joined Sturm Graz.

Liverpool fans might have to get used to seeing Jaros with the gloves, especially if Kelleher is also unavailable, given that the initial signs of Alisson’s injury are that it doesn’t look like a good one.

On Alisson’s injury, Liverpool boss Slot said: “With Alisson it is clear he will be out for maybe a few weeks.

“Maybe this is something the FA should look at – if you play Wednesday evening why do we have an early kick-off in an away game Or they have to look at me and rotate all my players, maybe it is also bad luck, I don’t know.”

Commenting on his performance after the clash, Slot added: “The positive thing is that Jaros did really well last season when on loan.

“He was champion and won the cup. He wanted to play desperately. At this club we need three good goalkeepers. He was outstanding today.”

Issuing a more detailed update after the game, Slot revealed: “We don’t know definitely what happened but we do if you walk off like he does that normally means he’s not in the Brazil squad and I don’t expect him to be in the team in the first game we play afterwards.”

And on his expected return date, the Dutchman said: “It’s going to take a few weeks, I assume. I think it is his hamstring.”

Liverpool return to action on October 20 when they face Chelsea at Anfield.