Alisson’s realistic return date as Liverpool star in danger of missing huge game

Liverpool fans woke up to heartbreaking news after the defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League. The result itself was painful enough, a 1-0 loss that left Arne Slot’s team under pressure in Europe, but the sight that truly sent shockwaves through the fanbase was Alisson Becker lying on the ground, clutching his leg, unable to continue. For Liverpool supporters, seeing their number one goalkeeper in pain is like watching the walls of Anfield shake. Because Alisson is not just another player, he is the heartbeat of the defense, the guardian of the goal, the man who has saved Liverpool countless times in the past. And now, with a huge game against Chelsea looming at Stamford Bridge, reports suggest that Alisson will not only miss that clash but could be out until November at the earliest.

The moment happened in Istanbul, a city that has brought both joy and despair to Liverpool’s history. On this night, the despair returned. Victor Osimhen, the dangerous Galatasaray striker, fired a shot that forced Alisson into a desperate save. The Brazilian stopped the effort, but in doing so, something went wrong. He immediately felt discomfort, and within moments, the decision was clear: he could not continue. Giorgi Mamardashvili, the summer signing who had been waiting patiently for his chance, was called upon. But for many Liverpool fans watching, the substitution was not about excitement for Mamardashvili, it was about fear for Alisson.

After the game, Arne Slot did not hide the reality. In his interview with TNT Sports, he admitted: “It is never positive if you go off like this. You can be sure that he is not playing on Saturday. We will see how long it takes but he definitely won’t play against Chelsea.” His words carried weight. Slot is not the kind of manager to dramatize injuries unnecessarily. If he says it looks bad, then fans know it truly is.

Later in his press conference, Slot expanded on the situation. He explained that Alisson had sprinted back, felt something, went down, and could not continue. He reminded everyone that in football, when a player goes down in that manner, the chances of it being something minor are slim. “If my player is on the floor, I nine out of ten times fear the worst,” Slot said. “And by the worst, I mean he cannot continue.” For Alisson, this was exactly what happened. He could not continue, and Liverpool now face the prospect of life without him for weeks.

Journalist James Pearce, always reliable when it comes to Liverpool news, added more clarity. He reported that Alisson is yet to undergo his full scan but the expectation is that he will be out for at least a few weeks. That timeline would rule him out of the Chelsea match, the upcoming fixtures before the October international break, and possibly even games after that. If the injury lingers, fans may not see him again until November. For a team like Liverpool, competing for titles, that is a massive blow.

It is not the first time Alisson has had injury struggles. Last season he missed a significant chunk of games due to muscle problems, and Liverpool felt the absence badly. While Caoimhin Kelleher did a good job in some matches, and now Mamardashvili is waiting to prove himself, the truth is simple: there is no replacement for Alisson Becker. He is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, perhaps the very best. His reflexes, his calmness under pressure, his leadership at the back, all make him irreplaceable. When he plays, the defense looks assured. When he is absent, uncertainty creeps in.

The timing could not be worse. Chelsea away is always a tough fixture, no matter their form. Stamford Bridge under the lights demands the very best, and Liverpool without Alisson feels weaker. Fans are already imagining scenarios: what if Mamardashvili makes a mistake? What if Chelsea take advantage of set-pieces? What if Liverpool drop more points in the title race? These are the fears that swirl around Anfield now.

But the story does not end with Alisson alone. On the same night in Istanbul, Liverpool also saw Hugo Ekitike forced off with an injury. The young forward, who had been fighting to prove himself after his summer move, stretched for a ball and immediately signaled discomfort. Slot later explained that at first he did not even realize it was an injury situation. The referee had blown the whistle for a different incident, and everyone thought the stoppage was for that. But then Ekitike stayed down. He told the staff he felt something and could not continue. Slot’s words carried uncertainty: “After the game, that’s always the difficult thing with these moments when players feel like it is not too bad, but when you just walk around it is something different than when you make a sprint or have to shoot on target.” For Ekitike, the extent of his problem is not yet clear, but it adds another headache for Slot.

The season was already complicated for Liverpool. Slot is trying to build his own version of the team after Klopp’s departure, mixing experienced legends like Salah and Van Dijk with new blood like Wirtz, Isak, Mamardashvili, and Ekitike. But transition is never smooth, and now injuries are piling up. Every manager knows that one or two injuries can be managed, but when your world-class goalkeeper is out, the whole dynamic changes.

Fans across social media have been reacting with frustration and worry. Some point to Liverpool’s bad luck with injuries in recent years, others blame the intensity of modern football where players hardly get any rest. Whatever the cause, the result is the same: Alisson is sidelined, and Liverpool must adapt.

The question now turns to Mamardashvili. The Georgian goalkeeper was highly rated in Spain with Valencia, and Liverpool spent big to bring him in. He has always said he is ready to be a number one, but now he gets his chance earlier than expected. The pressure will be enormous. Filling Alisson’s gloves is not just about making saves, it is about commanding the defense, inspiring confidence, and making the kind of match-winning interventions that fans have come to expect. For Mamardashvili, this could be the defining moment of his Liverpool career. If he shines, he will earn respect and trust. If he falters, criticism will come fast.

The truth is that football is cruel in this way. One injury can change the entire narrative of a season. Liverpool are aiming to defend their Premier League crown and push deep in the Champions League. Without Alisson, those ambitions become harder, but not impossible. This is where leaders like Van Dijk, Salah, and Robertson must step up. They must rally the squad, protect the new goalkeeper, and keep belief alive.

For Alisson himself, the injury will be heartbreaking. He has always spoken about how much he loves playing for Liverpool, how much he values being part of this journey. To be taken off in a big Champions League night, to now sit on the sidelines watching his teammates fight without him, it is not easy. He knows the team needs him, and he will be desperate to return quickly. But with muscle injuries, rushing back can make things worse. The medical team will be careful, even if fans are impatient.

As things stand, the story is one of uncertainty. Liverpool do not yet know the full damage, but they know enough to fear weeks without their number one. For the fans, it means biting their nails every time Mamardashvili takes the field, praying that he steps up, and waiting for the day their Brazilian hero walks back out of the tunnel at Anfield.

And so, the drama continues. From Istanbul’s disappointment to Stamford Bridge’s challenge, Liverpool are facing another storm. Injuries have come, questions are being asked, and the spotlight is on Arne Slot to find solutions. But deep down, the fans know this club has been here before. Liverpool is built on resilience. And as they wait for Alisson to heal, they will hope the rest of the squad shows the same fight that defines the club’s history.

Because this is Liverpool. And no matter how many setbacks come, they will never stop believing