Share
25th September 2024
11:44am BST
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that Caoimhín Kelleher will remain between the goalposts for his team's upcoming Carabao Cup and Premier League fixtures.
The club's first-choice keeper, Alisson, aggravated a muscle problem in the Champions League win over AC Milan last week, resulting in the Republic of Ireland international's inclusion on Saturday.
Last month, Kelleher opened up publicly about his disappointment at Liverpool’s decision to reject a bid from Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day and added that he believes he is “good enough” to be a first-choice keeper.
The 25-year-old earned the trust of Jurgen Klopp last season when he came in for the injured Alisson and impressed across the latter part of the season.
He made it clear that he wants more game time and considering his impressive performance at the weekend, he certainly seems to have grown in confidence since being backed by his former coach last season.
Slot has made it clear that he views Kelleher as an important member of his squad, and said:
"Caoimhín has shown many times in the last few years and even in pre-season, that he’s ready when we need him every time. It’s a good thing that he wants to play.
"Who knows if he will play for us in the future? But at this moment I think it’s quite clear that Alisson is the number one.
"Last season Caoimhín played many games, so it’s a normal situation for a player to be in if you are not playing and you want to play, but he handles the situation really well."
Now that it has become clear Alisson will need another week or two to fully recover from his hamstring injury, Slot confirmed to the media that Kelleher will get the nod again for tonight's Carabao Cup third round against West Ham.
Furthermore, he is also likely to be the man between the posts for Saturday evening's league encounter with Wolves.
Speaking to the media ahead of the clash against the London club, Slot said: "Caoimhín will be in goal tomorrow.
"That’s the one thing I know for sure at this moment. Alisson is getting there, but I think this game [against West Ham] is coming just a bit too early.
"We’re looking at the weekend against Wolves, but it’s going to be tight, so let’s see if he manages to be there."
Recent speculation has indicated that Bayern Munich have been eyeing up the young Irishman as a replacement for the retiring Manuel Neuer.
The fact that he is on the radar to potentially replace one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time at one of the biggest clubs in the world is a testament to both Kelleher's talent and maturity.
"Chiesa is able to start in our opinion, I don't think he can play the 90."
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) September 24, 2024
"Kelleher will be in goal tomorrow, Alisson is getting there, we are looking at the weekend against Wolves, but that will be tight."
🎙️ Arne Slot pic.twitter.com/0NOtX9L5HI
Explore more on these topics:
