Liverpool star could miss next two matches - as Arne Slot confirms definite starter against West Ham

Arne Slot has issued a Liverpool injury update ahead of tomorrow’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against West Ham United.

The Reds begin the defence of the silverware at Anfield, although they have been handed a tricky clash against a Premier League rival.

For last Saturday’s 3-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth, Alisson Becker was absent with a muscle injury. It meant that Caoimhin Kelleher deputised in goal as Liverpool recorded a fourth clean sheet in five Premier League fixtures.

For the West Ham clash, Slot has confirmed that Alisson will again be sidelined and Kelleher will again feature from the outset. But the Liverpool head coach has admitted that Alisson is also doubtful for the Premier League trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday and his fitness will need to be checked closer to the game.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot said: “It’s sure that Caoim will be in goal. Alisson is getting there but this game has come a bit too early. We’re looking at the weekend against Wolves but it’s going to be tight. Caoim will be in goal tomorrow. That’s the one thing I do know, for sure.”

Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott remains sidelined with a fractured foot. He’s expected to be absent for around the next month. Slot has also suggested he will rotate his Liverpool starting line-up, with the likes of Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah all likely to get opportunities.

Klopp added: “I want all of them to play but that’s not possible. We will play with the best possible team and that can mean players that have played a lot are maybe a bit more tired. They will come in today and see how fit they are and then I’ll make a decision on who is going to start and who isn’t.”