PL race: Slot’s Liverpool sweat as Alisson succumbs to injury

• Liverpool's Alisson Becker suffers an injury in a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace
• Arne Slot confirms Alisson is expected to miss upcoming matches against Chelsea, RB Leipzig, and Arsenal
• Slot has led Liverpool to nine wins in his first 10 matches as manager

Liverpool’s Premier League title aspiration was dealt a major blow as star goalkeeper Alisson Becker was forced off the pitch due to injury during their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. 

The Brazilian shot-stopper appeared to be in distress after a ball clearance went wrong, as he jarred his right leg, slamming the ground in frustration.

Arne Slot, Liverpool's new boss, has enjoyed an impressive start to his Anfield reign with nine victories in his first 10 matches. However, the Dutch manager now faces a critical period with crucial fixtures against Chelsea, RB Leipzig, and Arsenal looming, and his number-one goalkeeper is likely to be sidelined for a while. 

Speaking after the game, Slot shared his concerns with TNT Sports, saying, 

“Unfortunately, Alisson will not be with us in those matches, I assume, if I saw how he walked off the pitch.”

Slot acknowledged that the upcoming games will be a challenge, especially with a depleted squad. 

“It’s true that the fixtures are difficult, but I’ve also felt how difficult Wolves away and Crystal Palace away are, we will probably not be as dominant as we were today. 

“We face Arsenal away, but both fixtures are really difficult and it’s good that we’ve won these games. Now it’s up to us to show ourselves in the big games.”

The absence of regular backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher due to illness compounded Slot’s issues at Selhurst Park. Vitezslav Jaros, the club’s third-choice goalkeeper, made his debut after replacing Alisson. 

Slot praised the 23-year-old Czech, saying, 

“It was also very good to see, with Kelleher being sick yesterday, our third goalkeeper put this performance in. He won the league and cup in Austria last season, and we trust him a lot.”

Despite the injury setback, Slot remains focused on building a strong foundation at Liverpool, emphasising that this season's start is just the beginning, 

“Really satisfied with how we’ve started the season, let that be clear. But if they only remember me because of this (nine wins from 10), then it hasn’t been the best Liverpool era.”

Bad news for Liverpool as reports suggest Salah's departure is inevitable

Previously, TheRadar reported that Liverpool’s Mo Salah’s time at Anfield might be drawing to a close after rumours about a sensational move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) surfaced. 

Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor claimed to have insider knowledge that the Egyptian star would depart Anfield next summer, making way for a record-breaking deal in Saudi Arabia.