Despite bad news, Liverpool receives two latest positives ahead of Palace clash, aiming for a Premier League top 5 spot.
On 24 April 2026, Arne Slot, Liverpool manager and Premier League 5th place holder, revealed the latest team updates ahead of matchday 34. Liverpool will host Crystal Palace, who sit 13th, on Saturday, 25 April, aiming to secure a top 5 finish and a UEFA Champions League spot.
Liverpool's manager confirmed that second-choice goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, sidelined with a knee injury from last week's 2-1 win over Everton, will miss the match against Crystal Palace. The good news is that first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, recovering from a hamstring injury, has a chance to be fit for this game.
Arne Slot stated, "Giorgi Mamardashvili will definitely not play tomorrow and will be out for several more weeks. But Ali (Alisson) is close to returning; we need to see if tomorrow is too soon. This means Freddie Woodman is the only fully fit goalkeeper option."
However, the Liverpool manager is confident that Freddie Woodman is capable of stepping in for both Alisson and Mamardashvili. "We have good reason to sign an experienced third-choice goalkeeper. Normally, you don’t need to use him often."
"But situations can arise where one goalkeeper is injured and another is suspended. Having a backup goalkeeper makes more sense than having two injured goalkeepers."
"Beyond being a good goalkeeper, which he has proven, he won the European Championship with England U17 and the World Cup with the U20 team when he was younger. He has experience playing in the Premier League or certainly at Championship level. Moreover, he is a great person who fits in well in the dressing room."
Meanwhile, versatile defender Joe Gomez is also ready to return and support Liverpool, while Wataru Endo is expected back near the end of the season.
"Joe is back with the team, which is very good. Endo has started training, though not yet with the main squad. He’s begun outdoor rehab exercises with the recovery team. He won’t be ready for the match against Manchester United next week or the following week, but we hope he will return toward the season’s end."
- Hugo Ekitike
- Giorgi Mamardashvili
- Wataru Endo
- Conor Bradley
- Alisson Becker
- Giovanni Leoni
- Stefan Bajcetic
