Liverpool handed major Alisson injury boost and set date for goalkeeper’s return

Liverpool have received a welcome boost in the wake of Virgil van Dijk’s devastating ACL injury, with Alisson reportedly back in training and ahead of schedule with his recovery.

The 28-year-old goalkeeper injured his shoulder in training last month and Adrian has started Liverpool’s last three matches, including the side’s humiliating 7-2 defeat at Aston Villa.

There were initial fears that Alisson could be sidelined for as long as six weeks but Liverpool’s medical staff have been encouraged by the Brazilian’s progress over recent days.

According to The Liverpool Echo, Alisson has already begun individual training sessions at Melwood and has reacted positively to drills involving diving and falling.

There will be no need for surgery and Liverpool have set their Premier League clash at home to West Ham on October 31 as a possible return date for the shot-stopper, who played a starring role in their title-winning campaign last term.

Asked for an update on Alisson’s progress prior to the Merseyside derby, Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp said: ‘It’s very, very positive with Ali.

‘He looks really good, made big steps.

‘I don’t have a timeframe but it looks really good.’

Van Dijk, meanwhile, will be out of action for several months after it was confirmed that the Dutchman will have to go under the knife on Sunday evening.

But the Netherlands centre-half vowed to come back stronger than ever in a defiant message on Instagram.

‘This afternoon I met with a leading consultant to start the process of planning the finer details of my rehabilitation following the incident yesterday,’ Van Dijk said.

‘I’m not fully focused on my recovery and will do everything I can to be back as quickly as possible.

‘Despite the obvious disappointment, I am a full believer that within difficulty lies opportunity and with God’s help I am going to make sure I return better, fitter and stronger than ever before.

‘With the support of my wife, kids, family and everyone at Liverpool I am ready for the challenge ahead.

‘I would like to think everyone for the messages of support, it’s meant a huge amount to me and my family and I’ll now be doing everything possible to support my team-mates in anyway I can ahead of a big few weeks ahead as I take my own recovery day-by-day. I’ll be back’.