Alisson winning race for derby

LIVERPOOL'S long wait to shrug off the disappointment of their toughest week of the season so far continues.

- By PAUL WHEELOCK ECHO Reporter

The Reds suffered defeat in the Carabao Cup final and a heartbreaking exit from the Champions League before their extended break began.

And with having been knocked out of the FA Cup, it means the runaway Premier League leaders will have gone 17 days since the Wembley loss to Newcastle United before they finally return to action.

That will see Liverpool welcome neighbours Everton across Stanley Park to Anfield. on Wednesday, April 2.

Always a massive match, the final Merseyside derby of the season will give the table-topping Reds the chance to extend or maintain their 12-point lead over second-placed Arsenal.

Arne Slot's squad should be fresh given their upcoming free weekend.

But how many players will be available for the visit of the Blues?

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker had to be substituted with 'suspected concussion' in Brazil's win over Colombia in the early hours of Friday morning.