Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has reiterated that Alisson Becker will start ahead of Caoimhin Kelleher when he returns to full fitness despite Caoimhin Kelleher’s impressive performances in the Brazil international’s absence.

Alisson, who returned to training last week, has been out with a hamstring injury since the away win at Crystal Palace in October. The 32-year-old has made eight appearances this season and kept five clean sheets in all competitions.

Kelleher has performed well in Alisson’s absence, as he did last season, and has already made more appearances than the former AS Roma goalkeeper this season. The Liverpool academy graduate has played twelve games so far and kept six clean sheets.

However, the 26-year-old was responsible for Newcastle United’s equalizer as the Reds dropped points in the Premier League for the third time this season. Newcastle took the lead through Alexander Isak’s superb first-half goal, but Curtis Jones equalized for the Reds early in the second period.

Anthony Gordon made it 2-1 for Newcastle, but Mohamed Salah scored twice and seemed to have secured the win for the Reds. However, Kelleher’s misjudgment on a free kick meant that Schar was able to finish from a tight angle.

When asked if it will be a difficult decision to replace Kelleher for Alisson, Slot replied to former Ireland international Shay Given for Amazon Prime Video Sport before the game: “No, I think I’ve already made myself clear about the decision a few times.

“It’s as difficult as all the decisions we just talked about – I don’t think Lucho (Luis Diaz) or Dom (Szoboszlai) deserve to be on the bench today (against Newcastle), given their performances from Sunday.”, but it’s a long season.

“A goalkeeper is a different situation. We are as happy with Caoimh as you Irish are – he has performed brilliantly and that is why we should be talking about now and not what will happen in two weeks.”

In the aftermath of the 3-3 draw, Slot said: “I think like all players (Kelleher) is disappointed. Like I said, we were a goal behind twice, so in those moments you would have been happy with a point.”

“But if you’re 3-2 up with a minute to go, then you’re on the verge of a win. “Once again he made important saves for us, but he made the wrong judgment on the cross and it was still unbelievable how this defender was able to score this goal with his wrong leg.”

Liverpool will look to return to winning ways when they take on Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday afternoon.

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