Liverpool rocked with Giorgi Mamardashvili taken to hospital after going off on stretcher

Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has been taken to hospital after sustaining a worrying injury at the Merseyside derby.

The Georgian was injured as the Toffees equalised through Beto’s close-range finish at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.

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Mamardashvili was replaced by Freddie Woodman after being taken off on a stretcher, marking Woodman’s first Premier League appearance for the Reds following his arrival in the summer.

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.

Liverpool ended up winning the derby thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header, however, head coach Arne Slot faces a potential goalkeeping crisis with Alisson also sidelined.

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

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.

Mamardashvili injury update

“Giorgi went to hospital so we have to wait and see how long that’s gonna take,” Slot told journalists post-match.

“With us maybe not all but usually and now usually also have three goalkeepers. So with us having two goalkeepers injured it’s helpful that we have a third one.

“Actually, today I took two goalkeepers on the bench which we usually never do.

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“But maybe I should do this from now on every single time because what happens to us this season in terms of injury, you cannot even predict it, but a big moment for for Freddie who did really well difficult moment to come in.”

For Liverpool’s next match, which sees them take on Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday, they’re likely to have to call upon the services of third-choice keeper Woodman.

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

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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.