Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders has confirmed that it will be Caoimhin Kelleher, and not Alisson or Adrian, who will start against Arsenal in Wednesday evening’s Carabao Cup Fourth Round match.
Kelleher started in the Third Round win over the MK Dons back in September, but many fans presumed that with Alisson now back fit and playing Premier League games, that second-choice ‘keeper Adrian would be in goal for the League Cup clash.
However, speaking at his press conference ahead of the visit of Unai Emery’s side, Lijnders confirmed that it will be the young Irishman who starts.
We have Adrian, who did an unbelievable job and if something happens with Ali, Adrian is our No.2 and then has to do the job. But in this League Cup, it is Caoimhin’s competition. As I said before the MK Dons game, with youth development, with these moments when they are in between the U23s and the first team, consistency is very important. He had a good game and he is preparing for another one. It will be special for him playing at Anfield.
Liverpool are expected to make plenty of changes from the team who beat Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, with the likes of Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones expected to be in alongside Kelleher as the Reds look to advance to the Fifth Round for the third time since Jurgen Klopp took charge at the club.
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In truth, we’re surprised that it’s Kelleher, and not Adrian, starting for the Reds in this game. Adrian has found himself back on the bench now that Alisson is back and it would make sense to keep him in some sort of rhythm just in case he’s needed again.
However, Lijnders has made it clear that the Reds will use the League Cup to help develop the Irishman, so Adrian is likely going to have to wait until the FA Cup kicks off in January to get another start, provided Alisson can stay fit.
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