Arne Slot Confirms Caoimhin Kelleher Will Start in Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Against Southampton
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Caoimhin Kelleher will start as goalkeeper for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.
With the team managing a busy Premier League schedule as they aim to stay at the top of the table, Slot is planning to rotate his squad for the cup match.
One confirmed change is that Kelleher will replace Alisson Becker, who is being rested after recently returning from a two-month injury layoff.
Slot Confirms Kelleher’s Role
In his pre-match press conference, Slot confirmed Kelleher’s selection, stating, “Yes, we can.” He added:
“Given Alisson’s injury, Kelleher has already played more minutes than many others in the squad. This has been great for him, and we’re fortunate to have a second-choice goalkeeper who consistently steps up and performs when called upon.”
A Reliable Option in Domestic Cups
Kelleher has proven to be a dependable choice for Liverpool in domestic cup competitions. During Alisson’s absence, the Irish goalkeeper garnered praise for his performances, with some even suggesting he should remain the first-choice keeper despite Alisson’s return.
However, Slot has made it clear that Alisson is firmly established as Liverpool’s No. 1, meaning Kelleher’s appearances are mainly limited to cup matches or when Alisson is unavailable.
Uncertain Future at Liverpool
Kelleher’s future at Liverpool remains unclear. His national team manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson, has advised him to seek a move if he continues to find game time limited.
With reports suggesting Giorgi Mamardashvili could join Liverpool next summer, the competition for the No. 1 spot will increase, potentially reducing Kelleher’s opportunities further.
Speculation surrounds Kelleher’s future, and his appearances, such as the one against Southampton, could be crucial in determining his next steps.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the uncertainty, Kelleher’s performances at Liverpool have earned him respect, particularly in high-stakes cup matches. While his long-term future at the club is uncertain, his contributions have solidified his reputation as a reliable and talented goalkeeper.
As Liverpool prepares for the quarter-final, Kelleher’s presence in goal gives fans confidence as the team looks to progress in the competition.
