Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has withdrawn from Brazil’s upcoming friendly fixtures due to injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Thursday. The 33-year-old custodian’s absence marks a significant setback for both the national side and his club.
CBF did not disclose the precise nature or severity of Alisson’s injury. However, for the two scheduled friendlies, Corinthians’ goalkeeper Hugo Souza has been called up as his replacement. Brazil will face France at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, United States, on the night of 26 March (Bangladesh time), before meeting Croatia at Camping World Stadium in Florida on 1 April.
Alisson has struggled with fitness issues throughout the current season. He was unavailable for Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg defeat against Galatasaray. Previously, between October and November last year, fitness concerns prevented him from featuring in 12 matches for the club. Over the past three seasons, hamstring injuries have caused him to miss a total of 50 matches.
The goalkeeper’s withdrawal also delivers a blow to Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp, as Alisson will be unavailable for the Premier League clash against Brighton this evening. In his absence, Georgi Mamardashvili is expected to start between the posts for Liverpool.
A summary of Alisson’s recent injury-related absences is presented below:
| Period | Team | Competition | Matches Missed | Injury Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct–Nov 2022 | Liverpool | Premier League | 12 | Fitness issues |
| 2023–24 Season | Liverpool | UEFA Champions League | 1 | Hamstring |
| Last 3 Seasons | Liverpool | All competitions | 50 | Hamstring |
Alisson’s recurring fitness problems have raised concerns about his long-term availability. Analysts suggest that Brazil may need to adjust its defensive strategy during the friendlies, relying on Hugo Souza’s ability to maintain stability at the back. Meanwhile, Liverpool will need to trust Mamardashvili to deliver reliable performances in the Premier League, highlighting the wider impact of Alisson’s injury on both club and country.
Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari will now work on fine-tuning the team’s tactics, with a focus on goalkeeping depth and defensive organisation. Despite Alisson’s absence, the squad remains determined to deliver competitive displays against strong European opposition.
With the friendlies serving as preparation ahead of competitive fixtures later this year, Alisson’s withdrawal underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing player fitness with international duties, a dilemma increasingly familiar to top-tier football teams.