According to the Irish Examiner, Caoimhín Kelleher is set to start for Liverpool when the Reds take on Leeds this Sunday at Elland Road.
What’s the story?
Well, the Brazilian Football Association have somehow managed to ensure that Alisson and Fabinho will be banned for this Sunday’s clash.
It comes after Liverpool refused to release the South American duo for international duty, due to COVID-19 concerns (The Times).
Leeds will also be without Raphinha as a result.
With Alisson missing, some may have expected Adrian to come in, as the Spaniard is Jürgen Klopp’s other senior goalkeeping option.
However, the Irish Examiner believe Kelleher will start against Marcelo Bielsa’s side, in what would be just his third Premier League appearance.
The £6,000-a-week man started two Premier League games last season, both of which came at Anfield as Liverpool beat Wolves 4-0, but then lost 1-0 to Brighton.
If Kelleher starts, it will be his first Premier League away game.
Liverpool right to prefer Caoimhín Kelleher to Adrian for Leeds clash
Some might argue that it’s a risk to throw Kelleher into the raucous Elland Road atmosphere for his first ever Premier League away game.
However, we feel more comfortable with the 1-cap Ireland international in between the sticks than Adrian.
In his two Premier League outings last term, and also his two appearances in the Champions League, Kelleher looked like he’d been in Liverpool’s first-team for years.
The youngster is surprisingly good with his feet, and also isn’t afraid to command his box using his large frame.
Klopp’s backline also seemed to trust him with the ball more, whereas there always seems to be some hesitance when Adrian plays.
Perhaps that is a result of his error against Atlético Madrid, or his sloppy passing in the 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
Hopefully, Kelleher can deliver another impressive display for the Reds when he travels to Yorkshire this weekend.
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