Jurgen Klopp reveals progress in Alisson Becker injury recovery

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said that Alisson Becker is now off crutches, as the Brazilian steps up his recovery from a calf injury.

Alisson went down in the first half of the 4-1 win over Norwich City on the opening day of the Premier League season, with Adrian drafted in as his replacement.

Initial reports indicated that the Reds would be without the stopper for up to eight weeks, but speaking to reporters at a press conference ahead of his side’s clash with Arsenal on Saturday, Klopp explained how the 26-year-old is progressing well.

“He is not that close, nobody said to me that I should consider him for this weekend,” the manager said. “He looks in a good shape, in a good mood but it will take time.

“There is no [return] date in my mind, and nobody told me a return date, but it looks good. He was on crutches before and they are not there anymore and he can train properly.

“I had lunch with him today, so at least he can eat.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg has spoken in more detail about the work Alisson is putting in in an effort to get back fit as quickly as possible.

Klopp predicts Arsenal team

Elsewhere in the press conference, Klopp, when asked about how he expects Arsenal to play in Saturday’s contest, continued: “Both teams are offensive oriented. Arsenal will probably change at least two key positions, Pepe will start and won’t make them weaker, and maybe Xhaka.

“Teams often play different against us, which makes analysing tricky.”

Liverpool and Arsenal have thrown up some of the most exciting Premier League matches over recent seasons, with the Reds claiming an aggregate victory of 22-8 over the Gunners in games since the start of the 2013/14 season.

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