Caoimhin Kelleher: Liverpool goalkeeper catches eye by denying Kylian Mbappe with penalty save

Alisson, considered the world’s best goalkeeper by many, suffered a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace on 5 October and has not played since.

The 32-year-old has played 271 times since a £66.8m move from Roma in 2018 – and has won the Champions League and Premier League.

The Brazilian had been expected to have recovered by now but appears to only be back doing individual and not team training.

So Kelleher is likely to play again on Sunday against title rivals Manchester City.

But Liverpool boss Arne Slot has already made clear that “the moment Alisson will be fit he will be our first goalkeeper”.

Speaking after the Real Madrid game, Slot said: “Kelleher was outstanding. He has done remarkable for us,” before adding, “just like our other goalkeeper who has been remarkable too.”

Kelleher has kept five clean sheets in 10 games for Liverpool this season – only conceding seven goals.

Former England defender Gary Cahill, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “The old saying is ‘when you have a chance you have to take it’ and Caoimhin Kelleher has certainly done that.

“Liverpool have a world-class keeper in Alisson who will probably come back in, but it is a good headache for the manager to have.”