Liverpool's third-choice goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman, could make an unexpected appearance in the team's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace this Saturday, as manager Arne Slot looks to navigate a growing goalkeeping crisis.

The 29-year-old Woodman made his debut for Liverpool in last weekend’s 2-1 Merseyside derby win over Everton, stepping in after Giorgi Mamardashvili, who had been filling in for the injured Alisson Becker, was forced off in the second half.

“Giorgi will definitely not be available, not for the upcoming weeks,” Slot confirmed to reporters. “Ali is close to returning to play. Let’s see if Saturday comes too early for him. That leaves Freddie Woodman as an option, who is definitely fit.”

Slot explained that Liverpool had signed an experienced third goalkeeper specifically to handle situations like this one, where injuries and suspensions deplete the team's options.

"Usually, you don’t need him that much, but there could be situations when one is injured, and one is suspended—or in this case, more than one unavailable," the 47-year-old manager said. "He has the experience to play at Premier League level, but definitely at Championship level. He’s ready for it, but it will always be helpful if the fans support him."

In addition to the goalkeeper concerns, Slot also confirmed that defender Joe Gomez is available again after missing the derby due to injury. Meanwhile, midfielder Wataru Endo is recovering well and could return before the season ends.

Despite ongoing discussions regarding next season and his own future at the club, Slot stressed that his focus remains solely on securing a top-five finish this season.

“Margins are small. One or two results can make a big difference,” Slot noted. “Two weeks ago, we weren’t five points clear of sixth place, and two results later, we are. It can go both ways, so my full focus is on Palace.”

Liverpool has yet to defeat Crystal Palace this season, having drawn all three previous encounters. Slot acknowledged the challenge of facing Palace, citing their disciplined defensive structure under manager Oliver Glasner.

“They have a very good manager who brings a lot of discipline to the team. It’s really hard to create chances against them,” Slot said. “They’ve conceded the least goals after Arsenal, so that tells you a lot about them.”

Liverpool, sitting in fifth place with 55 points, will host 13th-placed Palace on Saturday as they continue their bid for Champions League qualification.

-Reporting by Suramya Kaushik in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters