Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been released from Liverpool’s preseason tour in Japan. According to The Athletic, he left the squad on Tuesday, prior to an open training session held in Tokyo, citing personal reasons. The club confirmed his departure. Alisson is returning to the UK and won’t feature in the friendly against Yokohama Marinos scheduled for Wednesday.
With the Brazilian absent, Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to start in goal for the match. The 24-year-old from Georgia was signed this season for €35 million. He arrived with solid expectations and had already drawn interest from top European clubs. Now, he has a chance to make an early impression during preseason, wearing the Reds’ jersey for the first time.
Even though Alisson remains the undisputed starter, Mamardashvili stepping in at this point could speed up his integration and give the coaching staff a closer look at his potential. Liverpool hasn’t provided any details on when Alisson will return, but made it clear he’ll rejoin the team after his time back in the UK.
A departure during a busy period
Alisson isn’t the only player to leave Liverpool’s tour in Asia. Joe Gomez suffered an Achilles tendon injury and will need treatment. Meanwhile, Luis Díaz is close to finalizing a move to Bayern Munich and has also been released. That’s three key players out of preseason in a short span of time, which naturally affects the club’s planning at the start of a new cycle.
Even though Alisson’s absence doesn’t appear to be related to his role in the squad, the overall situation calls for attention. Preseason is a crucial time for tactical evaluations and adjustments. And in that context, every absence weighs a bit heavier than usual.
Status still uncertain
Liverpool hasn’t given a timeline for Alisson’s return. The official line is that he’s dealing with personal matters and will be reintegrated once resolved. For now, the situation is being handled calmly, though it’s drawing some attention — which is expected, considering Alisson’s status as a club icon.
This is a moment Mamardashvili can use to show why he was brought in as Alisson’s long-term successor. The battle for the starting spot hasn’t officially begun, but as always, performances on the field tend to move those conversations forward faster than expected.