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Liverpool's Alisson Becker Picks Up Calf Injury Against Norwich, Out vs. Chelsea

Matt JonesFeatured ColumnistAugust 9, 2019

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Alisson Becker of Liverpool leaves the pitch following an injury during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Norwich City at Anfield on August 09, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker hobbled out of the team's Premier League opener against Norwich City on Friday with an injury.

The Brazil international's substitution was confirmed by the Reds' Twitter account. Summer signing Adrian replaced him for his debut:

Liverpool FC @LFC

39' - We're forced into a substitution, as @AdriSanMiguel comes on to make his Reds debut to a big Kop welcome, replacing the injured Alisson. [3-0] #LIVNOR

Neil Jones of Goal provided further details:

Neil Jones @neiljonesgoal

Lots of concern on the #LFC bench. Stretcher on standby.

Neil Jones @neiljonesgoal

Alisson to his feet, to huge applause. He's playing no further part though. Adrian on for a surprise debut. #LFC

After the game, manager Jurgen Klopp told reporters Alisson suffered a calf injury and "felt as if something hit him from the back." Klopp said he would not be fit for Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup match against Chelsea.

Alisson arrived at Anfield from Roma last summer and enjoyed an outstanding debut season as Liverpool won the UEFA Champions League.

The 26-year-old added an assuredness and composure to the base of the Liverpool team. He also turned in some outstanding individual displays, producing a man-of-the-match performance in the Champions League final win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Alisson continued his memorable season with Brazil, as he was again vital when the team won the Copa America on home soil.

While Liverpool supporters will be concerned about their goalkeeper's issue, it had no effect on Friday's result at Anfield. The Reds surged into a 4-0 lead against the hapless Canaries at half-time and eventually won 4-1.

Per Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated, the injury put a blemish on the night for Liverpool:

Grant Wahl @GrantWahl

LFC could win this game 10-0 and people will care more about Alisson’s prognosis. https://t.co/nVEtzhoEin

After the Reds face Chelsea in Istanbul on Wednesday, they travel to Southampton in their second Premier League game before welcoming Arsenal to Anfield on Aug. 24.

Adrian has been a dependable goalkeeper during his time in the Premier League and will be well protected by a strong Liverpool defence. However, Klopp will feel much more secure about his team's chances in some more challenging games if Alisson can get back to full fitness.