Liverpool fans were surprised to learn that star goalkeeper Alisson Becker has abruptly left the team's pre-season tour of Asia. The Brazilian international departed from the training camp in Tokyo due to a personal matter, according to reports from Liverpool FC correspondent Paul Gorst. He will miss Wednesday's friendly against Yokohama F Marinos.
Alisson's absence was noticeable during Tuesday morning's open training session at the JFA Dreamfield venue. The club has confirmed that he has returned to Merseyside and will rejoin his teammates when they resume training at the AXA Centre. The specific nature of the personal matter has not been disclosed, respecting Alisson's privacy.
With Alisson's departure, Giorgi Mamardashvili is now expected to start in goal when Liverpool faces Yokohama, a team struggling in the J-League. This friendly follows Liverpool's 4-2 defeat against AC Milan in Hong Kong.
Alisson isn't the only player to leave the pre-season tour early. Joe Gomez also flew back to the United Kingdom after sustaining a minor Achilles injury in Hong Kong. He hadn't played in the Premier League since December.
Despite these absences, the rest of the Liverpool squad trained in Tokyo. Alexis Mac Allister participated in the session after recently returning to training. He had missed the final weeks of the Premier League campaign and is working his way back to full fitness.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be hoping that both Alisson and Gomez can return to the squad soon, as the new Premier League season approaches. The team will be aiming to improve on last season's performance.