Caoimhin Kelleher to Miss Liverpool’s Second Europa League Game

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will miss the Reds’ second Europa League group game after picking up a knock that will also keep him out of contention during the international break. The Irishman had hoped to make the Europa League his competition this season after being named in the starting lineup for the opening game at LASK.

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has now confirmed that Kelleher had to “get 12 stitches in a knee joint” after sustaining a cut, with Liverpool informing his national team of the news. The suggestion is that it was a training ground collision and it could explain why he was not pictured with Liverpool’s main group during their open session on Wednesday.

It is an untimely blow for Kelleher, who has made two appearances so far this season, and would have otherwise been pushing for minutes for his country had it not been for the injury. Alisson will be expected to continue in goal for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they host Union SG, but the door is open for a surprise as Vitezslav Jaros is next in line.

Vitezslav Jaros in Line to Replace Caoimhin Kelleher

The 22-year-old goalkeeper was on the bench at LASK, has been a regular in first-team training and did have a cameo against Karlsruher SC in pre-season. It certainly would be a surprise to see his name in the starting lineup but Klopp is never shy in throwing a curveball, which could also present a squad chance for fellow young goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga.

With team news to be released any time from 6.30pm (BST), it will be intriguing to see who Klopp opts for in goal and for the rest of his XI. It is likely that Jaros will get the nod, but Pitaluga could be given an opportunity to impress in the absence of Kelleher.

Caoimhin Kelleher’s Injury Setback

Kelleher has been tipped for a bright future at Anfield, and he has already made two appearances for the Reds this season. He was expected to get another chance on Thursday evening, but his injury setback has put paid to those plans.

The injury is not thought to be serious, but it is still a blow for Kelleher who was hoping to make the most of his opportunities this season. He will now have to wait until after the international break before he can make his return to action.

Conclusion

Caoimhin Kelleher’s injury setback has come at an unfortunate time for both Liverpool and the player himself. He had been hoping to make the most of his chances this season, but he will now have to wait until after the international break before he can make his return to action.

In his absence, Vitezslav Jaros is likely to get the nod, but there is also a chance that Marcelo Pitaluga could be given an opportunity to impress. It will be intriguing to see who Klopp opts for in goal and for the rest of his XI when team news is released any time from 6.30pm (BST).