The tide of the 2019-20 season for Liverpool just took a glim turn. Despite the attack running rampant in the first half against Norwich City, all thoughts are with Reds goalkeeper and reigning Golden Glove winner Alisson.
The Brazilian went down injured on what looked like a routine goal kick. He immediately grabbed the back of his right leg around the knee area and asked for medical attention.
Alisson was unable to continue after being checked by medical staff. He was helped off the field by athletic trainers and replaced by Liverpool’s newest signing, Adrian.
Take a look at his injury below.
It was an awkward injury as it appeared Alisson’s left leg buckled though he sought medical attention for his right leg with which he kicked the ball.
Although the Liverpool offense is in mid-season mode already, Alisson made a couple of big saves to keep Norwich off the board when his defense had a momentary lapse.
With Liverpool in firm command of the match, it will be interesting to see how Adrian does in his first action with the club.
The extent of the injury is unclear, though the initial prognosis seems to indicate it could be a to his calf. It is similar to an injury suffered by Millwall keeper Frank Fielding a week ago, also on a goal kick.
The latest updates following the match, however, seem to indicate a potential Achilles tear pending scans and further tests.
Wild First Half
Liverpool opened the scoring off an own goal in the seventh minute. Divock Origi whipped in a cross from the left side of the penalty area. A poor clearance attempt by Norwich City captain Grant Hanley deflected past Canaries’ keeper Tim Krul for the season-opening strike.
The Reds struck again soon after using a brilliant buildup play to feed Mo Salah for the second goal. Virgil van Dijk added off a corner before Origi found the back of the net himself to cap off the scoring in the opening 45 minutes.
Liverpool’s attacking presence is enough to be positive about as they carried possession for much of the half.
Roberto Firmino could have made it five but his volley attempt from 15 yards out was parried away by Krul. It was not the start newly-promoted Norwich were hoping for defensively.
Massive Loss for Liverpool
Alisson played in all 38 Premier League matches for Liverpool last season and posted a league-high 21 clean sheets to earn him the EPL Golden Glove for the best keeper.
He allowed only 22 goals on the season, three of which came by his own error. Alisson was forced to make just 78 saves all season as well, a testament to his dominant defense.
GettyAlisson was injured just moments into the Premier Season.
His replacement, Adrian, was recently acquired from West Ham just prior to the transfer window closing. He replaces Simon Mignolet as the Reds backup after he went back to play in his native Belgium for Club Brugge.
He spent 2013-19 with West Ham, making 125 appearances for the Hammers in that time. He has not made a league appearance in over a year, however, with his only five appearances last season coming in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Adrian’s best season came in 2015-16 when he backstopped West Ham to seventh place in the Premier League, appearing in 32 games.
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Liverpool Goalkeeper Alisson Leaves Season Opener With Injury [WATCH]