Liverpool's Pre-Season Plans Hit as Alisson Joins Growing Exodus of Key Players

Liverpool's number one keeper Alisson Becker has allegedly departed the team's Asian tour due to a "personal issue".

The Brazilian goalkeeper becomes the third player to withdraw from Arne Slot's touring squad since departing for the east. Joe Gomez deprived the Dutch manager of a crucial center-back option after sustaining a slight Achilles problem, while Luis Díaz received authorization to complete his pending transfer to Bayern Munich.

Alisson played the opening half of Liverpool's 4–2 loss to AC Milan on Saturday in Hong Kong before Giorgi Mamardashvili took over. The 32-year-old missed Tuesday's open training session in Tokyo's sweltering heat and has been granted leave by the club, according to The Athletic. Alisson is anticipated to rejoin the squad upon Liverpool's return to the U.K.

Unlike other areas of the squad, Slot enjoys plenty of depth in the goalkeeping department. Mamardashvili has expressed his desire to challenge Alisson for the starting position even when the Brazilian is fit. Freddie Woodman joined from Preston North End as a free agent this summer to fill Liverpool's third-choice goalkeeper role.

The 28-year-old English keeper has been enjoying training alongside Alisson. "Training with Ali, for me I get to work with one of the world's best and I'm just trying to absorb elements from his style and incorporate them into my own game," he enthused earlier this summer. "The same applies to Giorgi—they are elite-level goalkeepers, top-tier keepers, and it's a privilege to train with them daily."

Liverpool face Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday in Tokyo before returning to Merseyside. The Reds then have the unusual challenge of a twin fixture against Athletic Club at Anfield on the same day, with kickoffs just three hours apart.

Should he settle his personal matters, Alisson is expected to start in goal for Liverpool's Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Aug. 10.