Liverpool rocked as Giorgi Mamardashvili stretchered off and Gareth Southgate’s godson replaces him

Liverpool’s injury woes have deepened as Giorgi Mamardashvili was stretchered off against Everton.

The Georgian goalkeeper was injured as the Toffees equalised at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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Having stayed down after Beto had scored for the hosts, Mamardashvili was unable to continue.

Instead, he was replaced by Freddie Woodman after being taken off on a stretcher.

It marks Woodman’s first Premier League appearance for the Reds following his arrival in the summer.

The 29-year-old previously made four top-flight appearances for Newcastle United back in 2021.

Woodman is also the godson of legendary England manager Gareth Southgate.

The former Three Lions defender played alongside the stopper’s dad, Andy, at Crystal Palace.

Liverpool signed Woodman on a free transfer from Preston North End in the summer.

His one-year deal expires at the end of the season but includes the option of a further year.

Prior to making his league debut for the Reds on Sunday, Woodman had featured just once this season.

He started the club’s Carabao Cup fourth round defeat to Crystal Palace back in October.

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Premier League

Mamardashvili was not the only injury casualty during the Merseyside derby with Jarrad Branthwaite later forced off.

The Everton defender had his head in his hands as he left the field on a stretcher.

Branthwaite went shoulder to shoulder with Cody Gakpo, but came off worse in the challenge as his afternoon ended early.

Another Liverpool injury blow

Mamardashvili’s injury adds to Arne Slot’s already depleted goalkeeping options.

Alisson is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue which has ruled him out of Liverpool’s last six matches in all competitions.

The Brazilian is not expected to return to action until next month, with the trip to Manchester United on May 3 earmarked for his comeback.

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Meanwhile, Joe Gomez joins Alisson on the treatment table alongside Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley, who have all been ruled out for the season.

As for Mamardashvili, he has made 17 appearances across all competitions this season.

After signing from Valencia in 2024, the 25-year-old remained on loan at the Spanish club before arriving at Anfield last summer.

Mamardashvili is now a doubt for next weekend’s home clash with Palace, with the severity of the injury not yet known.

Liverpool host the FA Cup holders on Saturday, April 25, with kick-off at 3pm.