Liverpool have confirmed that Alisson Becker has pulled out of the Brazil squad after the goalkeeper suffered a worrying injury scare against Colombia.
The 32-year-old guarded the sticks for the Selecao's World Cup 2026 qualifier against Colombia on Thursday, his first appearance for his nation since September owing to a pair of previous hamstring problems.
However, Alisson was involved in a sickening clash of heads with ex-Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez in the second half and had to be replaced by Bento due to a suspected concussion.
Brazil's team doctor delivered a reassuring update on Alisson's condition after the game, though, stressing that the former Roma man did not appear to have sustained any significant damage in the collision.
Nevertheless, Alisson has now withdrawn from the Selecao squad ahead of their crunch clash with Argentina next Wednesday, and the Reds have confirmed that he will undergo further assessment back at Kirkby.
Alisson out of Brazil squad as Liverpool issue statement
© Imago
"Alisson Becker has departed the Brazil national team set-up and will return to Liverpool," the Premier League leaders said in a medical update on Friday afternoon.
"The goalkeeper was forced off in the second half of his nation's World Cup qualifier with Colombia in the early hours of Friday following a collision. Alisson is travelling back to Merseyside and will undergo assessment from the Reds' medical staff."
While Alisson will not be available for Brazil's meeting with Argentina in midweek, the 32-year-old may not miss a single game for Liverpool, who do not play again until April 2.
The goalkeeper will likely have to observe a 10-day concussion protocol period, but if he comes through the necessary tests OK, he should be given the green light to face Merseyside rivals Everton early next month.
Alisson represents one of three fitness scares that Arne Slot has suffered during the international break, a list that also includes Ryan Gravenberch, who had to pull out of the Netherlands squad due to injury.
Gravenberch withdrawal 'precautionary' after EFL Cup injury
© Imago
The midfielder suffered the knock during last weekend's EFL Cup final defeat to Newcastle United, but according to BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella, his international withdrawal was only precautionary.
As a result, Gravenberch should also be given the all-clear to return to action for Liverpool as soon as the international break is over, while confusion surrounding a problem for Ibrahima Konate has now been cleared up.
France's social media accounts claimed that the centre-back came off at half time against Croatia due to injury, but head coach Didier Deschamps has since affirmed that his premature withdrawal was tactical.
Liverpool are still without Tyler Morton (knee), Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee), Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley (hamstring) for the time being, although their 12-point lead over Arsenal at the Premier League summit is surely unassailable.
Ben Knapton
