Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Alisson Becker is likely to be missing for six weeks through injury, but says the Brazilian’s absence was not the reason for the Reds’ incredible 7-2 defeat at Aston Villa.
Alisson was ruled out of the game at Villa Park having damaged his shoulder in training on Saturday. And without their No.1, the reigning champions were taken apart by a confident, well-drilled Villa side.
Ollie Watkins scored a first-half hat-trick and Jack Grealish netted twice after the break to condemn Liverpool to their heaviest defeat since 1963. It is the first time any reigning English champion has conceded seven times in a game since Arsenal in 1953, though in truth the damage could have been even greater given the chances Villa squandered.