Liverpool FC’s pre-season preparations have taken an unexpected turn as star goalkeeper Alisson Becker has temporarily departed the team’s tour in Asia, citing “personal issues.” The Brazilian international will return to the squad once he is back in the United Kingdom, though the club has not disclosed specific details surrounding his leave.
The news was first reported by The Athletic, which confirmed that Alisson was absent from Liverpool’s open training session on Tuesday at Tokyo’s Dream Field. Temperatures soared during the practice, adding a physical challenge to an already shifting dynamic within the squad.
Alisson’s exit means he will not feature in Liverpool’s upcoming friendly against Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos, scheduled for Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. BST. The 31-year-old has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s backline since joining the club in 2018 and has helped guide them to several major titles, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Newly appointed head coach Arne Slot, who is overseeing his first preseason with the Reds following the departure of long-time manager Jürgen Klopp, now faces his first match without key players like Alisson and Diogo Jota, who is currently sidelined. Slot downplayed concerns with a sense of humor, reportedly asking reporters during a press session, “Can we laugh again?”—a lighthearted remark amidst a growing list of unavailable stars.
In Alisson’s absence, 24-year-old Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to step in as the starter. Mamardashvili joined Liverpool in 2024 for €35 million (around £30 million at the time) from Valencia and is seen as a promising long-term successor to Alisson. The upcoming friendlies may serve as a crucial testing ground for the young keeper to prove his readiness.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s preseason squad has been further thinned by the departure of defender Joe Gomez, who is recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, and Colombian winger Luis Díaz. Díaz is reportedly nearing a high-profile transfer to German powerhouse Bayern Munich, according to multiple sources close to the negotiations.
The uncertainty surrounding Alisson’s return adds a layer of complexity to Slot’s early days at the helm. With Liverpool preparing for the upcoming Premier League season, the manager is looking to build chemistry and assess tactical depth. Having to do so without one of the team’s most experienced leaders in net could influence Liverpool’s strategic adjustments in both defense and goalkeeping rotations.
Alisson’s brief departure also comes just days after Liverpool launched a promotional trailer for a documentary series featuring the goalkeeper, further highlighting his importance not just to the team but to the club’s global brand. The timing of his exit has sparked speculation among fans, though the club has requested privacy on the matter.
Liverpool continues its Asian tour with several more friendly matches before returning to Europe. Supporters and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds to the absence of key players and how Slot’s new era begins to take shape amid these early challenges.
