Alisson Becker’s Planned Absence from Liverpool to Prioritise World Cup Fitness

Alisson Becker confirmed that his limited involvement in Liverpool’s final two months of the 2023-24 Premier League season was intentional. He missed most matches, returning only for the season-ending home game against Brentford, to guarantee full fitness for the FIFA World Cup in North America.

Liverpool Echo

Alisson joined Liverpool in July 2018 for £66.8 million, making 333 appearances and winning every major club trophy. In the 2023-24 campaign he suffered a thigh injury and a hamstring strain in March, which kept him out for a string of fixtures. Backup keepers Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman covered his duties until his brief comeback for Brentford.

Liverpool Echo

• Alisson Becker – 33-year-old Brazil World Cup starter, Liverpool No.1, contract runs to 2027, linked with Juventus.

Liverpool Echo

• Liverpool FC – Premier League side fighting for Champions League qualification, now overseen by new manager Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool Echo

• Backup keepers – Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia) and Freddie Woodman (England) deputised during Alisson’s absence.

Liverpool Echo

Alisson told Brazil’s Estadão that his reduced playing time was a deliberate strategy to arrive at the World Cup fully fit. He also said he is his own toughest critic, evaluating his performance on daily technical and psychological grounds.

Liverpool Echo

Liverpool supporters voiced frustration, arguing that the club’s late-season push suffered without their veteran goalkeeper. Media commentary highlighted the clash between a player’s national-team ambitions and club duties, especially as the Reds vied for a Champions League spot.

Liverpool Echo

Sources differ on whether Alisson’s absence stemmed solely from injury or was pre-planned for fitness. While Alisson frames it as strategic, other reports attribute the missed fixtures to a thigh injury and hamstring strain. No club statement clarifies the decision-making process.

Alisson Becker Admits to Missing Liverpool Games For World Cup

• “I’m 100%. Missing games for Liverpool was part of the plan to make sure I was ready for the World Cup.” — Alisson Becker, Brazil goalkeeper

Alisson Becker Admits to Missing Liverpool Games For World Cup

• “Everyone knows I spent a period out before the World Cup, but also very much because of arriving at the World Cup 100%. I said before: the important thing is how we arrive at the World Cup.” — Alisson Becker, Brazil goalkeeper

Alisson Becker Admits to Missing Liverpool Games For World Cup

• “But my criticism is based on day-to-day facts, technical and psychological reading.” — Alisson Becker, Brazil goalkeeper

Liverpool Echo

Alisson will start for Brazil in Group C against Morocco on 23 June. His World Cup performance could shape Juventus’s pursuit and Liverpool’s planning for 2024-25, where the club must decide whether to retain him, promote Mamardashvili, or seek another goalkeeper before the transfer window closes.

Liverpool Echo