Alisson departs Brazil camp over injury fear

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker has returned early to his club Liverpool after suffering a bang to the head while on international duty, the Brazilian football federation (CBF) announced Friday.

The 32-year-old collided with opposing defender Davinson Sanchez in Brazil’s 2-1 win against Colombia in South American 2026 World Cup qualifying action on Thursday. Under FIFA’s concussion protocol, Alisson left the field in the 78th minute and must take a break, meaning he will miss out on Brazil’s clash with Argentina.

“Alisson, who suffered a head knock, is fine and has no medical complaints,” a CBF statement read. “However, he needs to follow FIFA’s concussion protocol…(and) will return to (his) club to continue the recovery process.”

The goalkeeper’s departure from the ‘Canarinha’ squad adds to those of Gabriel Magalhaes, Gerson and Bruno Guimaraes. Both the Arsenal defender and the Newcastle midfielder have returned with their respective sides after being suspended from facing the ‘Albiceleste’ due to their yellow cards against Colombia.

As for Liverpool, Alisson joins a mounting list of injuries in the Reds, with defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley already on the treatment table. Another concern for manager Arne Slot is midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who withdrew from the Netherlands squad on Wednesday with a fitness issue.