Arne Slot has potentially been handed a goalkeeping crisis as first choice stopper Alisson Becker limped off during the second half of Liverpool's trip to face Crystal Palace.
The Brazilian went down nursing an injury to his right leg after a routine clearance, prompting a substitution as Vitezslav Jaros was summoned to take his place. The one-time Czech international was brought on to make his full debut after usual back-up Caoimhin Kelleher missed the matchday squad.
The Irishman was ruled out of the trip to South London through illness, meaning that Slot called upon his third-choice in the form of Jaros. The extent of Alisson's injury is not yet known but the Reds No. 1 has already missed one game this term in the league through a thigh issue.
Alan Shearer and Paul Merson in agreement over Crystal Palace vs Liverpool prediction Jamie Carragher disproves Darwin Nunez theory with Arne Slot tactic fans must 'get used to'That came as the Reds won 3-0 against Bournemouth in his absence last month, as they also went without the star for the 5-0 demolition of West Ham in the EFL Cup. For those two games, Kelleher was called upon by Slot to take the Brazilian's place in goal.
Brought on in the 77th minute of play, Alisson's replacement Jaros was quickly thrust into the action as he made a stop from Jean-Philippe Mateta after being sent on. The Czech goalkeeper also stood his ground during injury time, with the forward bearing down on goal once more.
The player, who joined the Reds from Slavia Prague in his homeland back in 2017, made his full debut for his country earlier this year. Making his nation's squad for Euro 2024, he has enjoyed four loan spells away from Anfield - including last year's spell at Austrian side Sturm Graz.
Liverpool managed the game well at Selhurst Park to earn head coach Slot a ninth victory of his reign so far in what was a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Coming away with three points, the Reds will top the Premier League table going into the international break after an impressive start to the season.
A Diogo Jota strike in the ninth minute was enough to separate the two teams, with the Portuguese striker on hand with a typical poacher's finish to open the scoring. The chance came after Cody Gakpo delivered a well-weighted low ball across the box from the left channel.
The win for Slot's men was their sixth victory from seven games in the Premier League so far this term - with a loss against Nottingham Forest the only blot on Slot's record so far as boss. Liverpool will face Chelsea at home following the international break, followed by an away trip to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
