Liverpool is going through a rough patch after back-to-back defeats: 2-1 against Crystal Palace in the Premier League and 1-0 against Galatasaray in the Champions League. To make matters worse, Arne Slot’s side also lost their starting goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, to injury—setting off alarm bells at Anfield.

The injury and recovery timeline

According to Sky Sports, Alisson suffered a thigh problem during the match against Galatasaray, forcing him off in the 56th minute. He was replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili, the former Valencia keeper, who made his Champions League debut for the Reds.

The initial prognosis suggests the Brazilian will be out until after the upcoming international break. If that timetable holds, he would only miss this Saturday’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In theory, Alisson would return on October 19, just in time for the classic showdown with Manchester United.

The big question mark is his fitness for the November 4 match against Real Madrid at Anfield, part of the Champions League group stage. For now, indications are positive that he’ll make it, though the club will continue to monitor his progress in the coming weeks.

A blow for the Premier League leaders

Alisson’s absence comes at a delicate moment. While Liverpool still leads the Premier League, their advantage has shrunk to just two points after the loss at Selhurst Park and Arsenal’s win in Newcastle. With a demanding schedule and key fixtures ahead, the Brazilian keeper’s absence could weigh heavily in the title race.

Another concern was Hugo Ekitiké, who left the pitch in the 68th minute with muscle discomfort. The French striker, who has five goals in nine matches, insisted it may only have been a cramp and hopes to be available against Chelsea.

Their next opponent isn’t in great form either. Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, winners of the Club World Cup and Conference League, sit eighth in the Premier League, winless in three matches and coming off defeats to Brighton (3-1) and Manchester City.

Brazil will miss him too

Alisson’s injury affects not only Liverpool but also the Brazilian national team. The goalkeeper will miss the October friendlies against South Korea and Japan, games set as preparation for the upcoming Copa América.

With a relentless calendar, Liverpool will be hoping their guardian between the posts recovers quickly. The showdown with Real Madrid is already looming large, and at Anfield they know having Alisson Becker fit will be crucial to their European ambitions.