Muscle expert Matthew Howes has explained the source of many football injuries, in light of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s recent hamstring setback.
Alisson is out until mid-November with yet another injury, adding to his recurring fitness problems.
He will miss the upcoming game against Chelsea with backup goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher taking his place.
The Brazilian international has struggled with injuries over the course of the year, missing two months of action from February to April and two games this season already.
Former professional football physio at AFC Wimbledon Howes said: “The best way to prevent a hamstring injury is to strengthen your legs by doing exercises that isolate the hamstring muscles specifically.”
He added: “You need to stretch properly before working out to prevent excessive loads.”
An overload of fixtures may also be an issue, seeing as Alisson played in the Copa America over the summer with Brazil and had little rest time between last season and this.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot said: “We have quite some issues from players coming back from the national teams. We can only judge that perfectly today because today is the first time they are all in.”
With fellow goalkeepers Manuel Neuer and Péter Gulácsi also suffering from long-term injuries in the upper leg area since 2023, it seems to be a recurring issue in football.
Howes said: “A level two hamstring injury is normally a six to eight weeks recovery time; however, it can differ depending on how long you spend in rehabilitation.”
“Hamstring injuries typically occur in outfield players due to sprinting and sudden changes in direction that is asked of for these positions, so they are uncommon in the goalkeeping position.”
Following his injury, Alisson is likely to return on 24 November against Southampton away at the St Mary’s Stadium following a rest during the November international break with Brazil.
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