Slot: Woodman Likely to Start vs Palace With Alisson Doubtful, Mamardashvili Out
With keepers out, Slot turns to Woodman for Palace visit. Liverpool boss also addresses Alisson Juve links, Isak return, and planned fan protests.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says Freddie Woodman could be between the posts for the Crystal Palace match...
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said Freddie Woodman is likely to start in goal for Saturday’s Anfield game against Crystal Palace.
With Giorgi Mamardashvili ruled out and Alisson doubtful, Slot said this morning that third-choice keeper Woodman is likely to start against Crystal Palace.
Liverpool head into the match fifth in the Premier League, three points off fourth-place Aston Villa.
“Giorgi will definitely not be available and for the upcoming week,” Slot explained.
“Ali is close to a return to play. Let's see if tomorrow comes too early, yes or no. That leaves Freddie as an option.
“For a reason, we signed an experienced third goalkeeper. That's why we were happy to pick him up on a free transfer.
“Apart from him being a good goalkeeper, he has the experience to play in the Premier League, and he is a very good man and very liked in the dressing room and that's also important for the third goalkeeper.
“He's ready for it but it will always be helpful if the fans support him tomorrow.”
Szobo 😮💨#TeamPixel pic.twitter.com/UztgDQjCQj
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 23, 2026
Slot expressed confidence in having rookie Armin Pesci available on the bench.
“He's already been on the bench. Of course, he's on the bench tomorrow; he's already played minutes at the top level in Hungary. He's played multiple games for the under-21s and is getting better.
“Still very young, progress to be made, but we think we've signed a talented goalkeeper who could play for Liverpool in the future. If he has to come in tomorrow, then I would be comfortable with that.”
Alisson transfer rumors swirl
On top of his fitness concerns, Alisson has been linked with a move to Juventus in Italian media reports this week.
Slot touched on the rumours, stating: “I'm only focused on the short term and getting him back in goal. All these rumours that are out there about him or about me or others, we don't react to rumours in this room.
“We only react when facts need to be told and there's nothing at the moment.
“He wants to be in goal for the club he loves to play for and then the country he loves to play for.”
Addressing the Brazil international’s injury problems this season, Slot blamed the congested schedule.
“We are looking at these kinds of injuries he is having. Muscle injury is always something you look to prevent with your training programme. He's not the only one.
“But football has changed so much, muscle injuries more and more and more and we all know why, the crazy schedule which to be fair I like as I can always watch a game on television every night, but for the health of the players it's getting more and more and more.
“Maybe age plays a part but this week we saw (Lamine) Yamal get an injury, it's more to do with the schedule they are playing.”
Slot praises Palace resilience
Looking ahead to Saturday’s match, Slot said he respects how Crystal Palace have coped with losing key players over the last year.
“What makes it difficult are the players we face. (Marc) Guehi, (Ebere) Eze and (Michael) Olise have left. Olise at Bayern Munich is making a good career for himself, but they have a good manager who has created good discipline in that team.
“Really hard to create chances against them. No matter what games I watch of them, you watch 60 minutes, and the other team haven't created a chance. At the other end, they are very direct with good attackers going quite fast.
“I think they have conceded the fewest goals after Arsenal and there's a reason for that.”
Alisson Becker has a chance of returning for #LIVCRY, with Freddie Woodman in line to deputise as Giorgi Mamardashvili is definitely out:
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 24, 2026
Slot backs Isak for World Cup boost
Slot also addressed Alexander Isak’s return, saying a full World Cup campaign would be valuable for the Swedish striker.
After sitting out pre-season, Isak fractured both legs in December and only made his comeback this month.
Even though the World Cup will shorten his summer pre-season, Slot is confident it will aid Isak’s preparation for next season.
“The World Cup won't hinder him,” he said. “What would be the best scenario, not 100%, a very good pre-season of six weeks would have been very good lead up, but if he has a good World Cup and plays a lot of games, then that will be helpful.
“Usually, the tempo at the international level is lower than the Premier League, but I'm happy he is back. He has had a lot of months without training with the team. In the middle of the season when everyone else is fit, it's not easy to come back, but we are seeing progress.
“I don't know when his best level will be, but I'm hoping for ourselves and him it's very soon.”
Slot calls for fan backing amid protests
Slot also urged fans for support, with protests planned outside Anfield before kickoff and inside the ground during the match.
Official fan groups are pushing back against the board’s plan to raise season ticket prices over the next three years.
In response, Slot tried to remind supporters of what’s on the line Saturday.
“As long as I'm in football, there are disagreements and as they are always about people with the best interests of the club. Two weeks ago, there was a protest and we felt we had the full support of the fans.
“We will need the support of the fans. Freddie Woodman, if he has to start a player like him, will need a lot of support from our fans.”
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