Liverpool to turn to unlikely hero to secure Champions League qualification
Liverpool’s struggles with injuries this has been at times hard to believe.
The Reds have lost several key players to long-term injuries and have already seen a number of player's seasons ended early.
Alexander Isak recently made his long-awaited return after suffering a broken fibula, but Anfield's injury room is still pretty much full.
The latest player to succumb to injury was Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardhasvili, who left the Merseyside Derby early on Sunday after being injured during a collision in his box.
The 25-year-old suffered a deep wound to his leg and was replaced by Freddie Woodman, with first-choice Alisson also currently side-lined by injury.
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Liverpool look to unlikely hero for Champions League qualification
The next few weeks will be absolutely crucial for Liverpool as they look to secure a top-five finish in order to book a place in next year’s Champions League.
Continental qualification isn’t just crucial for financial reasons, it could also decide the future of Arne Slot in the Anfield dugout.
The Dutchman’s post-match update on Mamardashvili didn’t provide much in terms of a timescale for the Georgian's return, but an update from Geo Team on X suggests that Mamardashvili will face around three weeks out of action.
If this time scale is accurate, Liverpool will be without both their first-choice and backup ‘keepers for clashes against Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Palace have already beaten the Reds three times this season, and both Manchester United and Chelsea are very much still in the battle for Champions League qualification.
All three games are going to be crucial for Liverpool’s chances of finishing in the top five, and it now appears that Freddie Woodman will be between the sticks.
The Englishman signed on a free transfer last summer, and was expected to operate as Liverpool’s third choice ‘keeper, with few believing he would get on the pitch at all this campaign.
Now, the 29-year-old will find himself playing it some of the highest stakes games of his career, including a visit to Old Trafford, and a few good performances could see him write his name into Liverpool’s history books.
It is unexpected, and unconventional, but Woodman could be Liverpool’s unlikely hero and save what has been a poor season for Slot’s side.
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