Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has delivered a fresh update on when Reds supporters can expect to see first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker back in action.
The Brazil international has not been seen in a Liverpool jersey since the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal in February, having come down with a sickness bug before sustaining a hamstring injury.
As a result, Alisson has sat out Liverpool's last 10 matches in all competitions, although his deputy Caoimhin Kelleher has exceeded expectations in between the sticks over the past couple of months.
With the Irishman guarding the posts, Liverpool clinched the 2023-24 EFL Cup crown and qualified for the quarter-finals of the Europa League, all while maintaining their Premier League title push amid fierce competition from Arsenal and Manchester City.
However, Kelleher shipped four to Manchester United during the Reds' agonising FA Cup quarter-final exit before the international break, and Alisson will be expected to snatch the gloves back when he makes a full recovery.
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Alisson in contention for Europa League comeback
Ahead of Liverpool's Premier League showdown with Brighton & Hove Albion this Sunday, Klopp spoke to Reds fans during a tour of their AXA Training Centre in Kirkby, and he was asked "how's Alisson?" by one supporter.
The German - with a smile on his face - responded "Two and a half to three weeks. It's not that long anymore,", suggesting that a comeback in the middle of April is on the cards barring any fresh setbacks.
Should Alisson indeed exit the treatment room in around three weeks time, the ex-Roma man could target a return for the second leg of Liverpool's Europa League quarter-final with Atalanta BC, taking place at the Gewiss Stadium on April 18.
However, Alisson is likely to fall short in his efforts to recover for the first leg, which takes place seven days beforehand, while the Reds also have a Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace sandwiched in between on April 14.
The 31-year-old - who has nine clean sheets in all tournaments this season - will definitely miss this weekend's clash with Brighton, though, as well as meetings with Sheffield United and Manchester United on April 4 and 7 respectively.
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What about Liverpool's other injured players?
Alisson is just one of several stricken Liverpool players occupying a bed in the Reds' infirmary at present, and the supporters fortunate enough to speak to Klopp also claimed to have received the latest on a handful of other victims.
Joel Matip is not expected to play again this term owing to his ACL rupture, but the Cameroonian is reportedly running on the grass again, while Diogo Jota (knee) is taking part in individual training.
Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold (also knee) are targeting returns against Man United on April 7, but Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez are believed to be in with a shot of facing the Seagulls on Easter Sunday.
However, Liverpool are sweating over Andrew Robertson's fitness after the Scotland man hurt his ankle on international duty, while Stefan Bajcetic (calf) and Thiago Alcantara (thigh) remain out of contention for the time being.
Klopp's men return from the international break sat second in the Premier League table, only behind Arsenal on goal difference and one point clear of Manchester City.
Ben Knapton
