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Alisson Becker's wife Natalia has confirmed she underwent surgery recently, explaining the Liverpool goalkeeper's decision to leave the clubs tour of the Far East.
The Brazilian goalkeeper travelled back to Brazil last week and missed the friendly win over Yokohama Marinos, as Arne Slot's men continued their strong form. The reasons for his premature exit were unclear, with Liverpool citing he had flown home for 'personal reasons'.
Giorgi Mamardashvili played in his absence, with Freddie Woodman and Armin Pesci among the substitutes, and it is expected that Alisson will again not be involved in the friendly double-header against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on Monday.
Natalia Becker took to social media to post a picture alongside the Liverpool No.1, confirming that she had undergone successful surgery.
She posted: "Post op pic Portrait of a real life. Now I'm recovering at home. Thank God, to the wonderful team that served me and all the love I received, everything is evolving well. Thanks to all who sent messages."
Speaking ahead of the game against Yokohama, Slot admitted that Alisson's absence was 'far from ideal' as he prepares his players for the new season.
He said: "First of all for the private reasons, second of all for him to not be there in a game like this and in pre-season it's also not ideal if you miss out on part of the pre-season. But again, private life is more important in these matters than joining a game today."
Liverpool has reshuffled its goalkeeping department this summer with Caoimhin Kelleher, Alisson's long-time understudy, joining Brentford. Having agreed a move last summer, Mamardashvili has finally linked up with his new teammates and looks set to be Slot's back-up option.
The Georgian is determined to make his mark at Anfield but knows the challenge that awaits him in trying to dislodge Alisson. He said recently: ""When I was a child, I always watched some videos on YouTube of goalkeepers, and I remember some Liverpool goalkeepers as well.
"I remember Jerzy Dudek and then Pepe Reina and now Alisson Becker. Liverpool has a big goalkeeper legacy and I want to try to write my own chapter in this goalkeepers' legacy.
"Of course, what I can tell about Ali, he's one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now and I am so happy to work with him. I can't wait to start to work [with] him and learn from him.
"Of course it will be a challenge. I like challenges and I'm here to just give my best and help the team."
Woodman and Pesci will provide cover for Alisson and Mamardashvili, while goalkeeping coaches Claudio Taffarel and Fabian Otte also moved on.
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