Arne Slot told he is about to drop and sell one of the best players in the world at Liverpool

Arne Slot faces a tough decision as he contemplates reintegrating Alisson into Liverpool's starting XI post-international break. The Brazilian keeper has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in the Reds' triumph over Crystal Palace on Oct. 5.

In his absence, Caoimhin Kelleher has seized his chance between the sticks, delivering top-notch performances that have seen Liverpool secure six wins and one draw from seven outings, catapulting them five points clear at the Premier League summit. Kelleher's season stats are impressive: just five goals conceded across eight appearances, with four clean sheets to boot.

His stellar form continued on international duty, where he earned man-of-the-match honors in the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 victory over Finland last Thursday - including a fine penalty save.

Despite Kelleher's heroics, Slot has made his stance crystal clear: Alisson will reclaim his spot once fit. "First of all, Alisson needs to become fit," Slot emphasized over the weekend. I have always been quite clear, that's always been the position of Alisson. He is and will be our first goalkeeper if he is fit.

"But first he needs to be fit. But Caoimh has done outstanding last season and this season again as well but the moment Alisson is fit, he will be our first goalkeeper."

Ex-Ireland forward Kevin Doyle has expressed concerns that Caoimhin Kelleher's development is being hindered, stating on RTE: "I think in five or six years he is going to be in the top one or two goalkeepers in the world. He's that good at everything he does. He has got everything in the locker. He ticks every box. If he can get himself playing I feel he's going to be the top man."

(Image: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Doyle's comments come after Kelleher was unable to secure a move away from Liverpool in the summer, with Nottingham Forest failing to meet the Reds' £35million valuation. The 25-year-old goalkeeper has made it clear that he is eager to play regular first-team football, whether that be at Liverpool or elsewhere.

"Obviously my intention is to do as well as I can and show my ability," Kelleher said recently. "That is where my head is at with the situation. The best thing I can do is go and play well and maybe give the manager something to think about, give him a headache."

Kelleher's situation is likely to become even more complicated next summer, with the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was signed in the summer and loaned back to Valencia.

"That was my thought process – but it's always been my thought process because obviously I am a football player and like every player, I want to play. I'm not going to enjoy myself or be happy sitting on the bench."

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