Jurgen Klopp has urged his players to show their resilience and fighting spirit, as Liverpool face up to the huge blow of losing Alisson until April.
Alisson has already been withdrawn from the Brazil squad that will play World Cup qualifying games against Peru and Bolivia at the end of March.
And Klopp revealed the grim news that the keeper could miss as many as four matches with a hip injury he picked up in training earlier this week – including the crucial showdown with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League next week.
The Reds boss confirmed his influential goalkeeper would miss the crunch European showdown, where Liverpool know they can not concede if they are going to progress, and he suggested his most likely return date is in April, after the international break.
“He is not available for tomorrow and then the next week. Atletico no. I don't want to say no [to the Merseyside derby] but I don't know if he will be available," said Klopp on Friday.
“We have to judge the situation anew. I would say after the international break 100 per cent [he’ll be back]. Whatever we can get before that we will see.”
The fact that Alisson misses Brazil’s two key qualifiers suggests he won’t play before that international break, and his absence against Atletico is troubling for Klopp.
Liverpool know they are likely to win the Premier League with months to spare, and to extend their season they must progress in the Champions League.
But Adrian’s performance in the FA Cup defeat at Chelsea , where he was at fault for both goals, is a huge concern for the game against the Spaniards where any goals conceded could prove costly.
Klopp though, wants his team to respond by showing the resilience at determination that has seen them drop only five points in the Premier League all season – and he wants a show against Bournemouth on Saturday.
“I cannot ignore or deny we do not feel (hurt) that we lost three in three different competitions. It is there,” he said.
“But we have always shown a reaction, and we should show this time as well. And with all respect to Bournemouth – real respect – this is our game. We have to show that.
“We should not be surprised if they have shots, crosses and set-pieces, but in the most decisive parts of the game we have to be dominant. That is what we prepare and want to show again.
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