Arne Slot explains Alisson exit as Liverpool keeper becomes third Reds star to leave tour

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has explained why goalkeeper Alisson Becker has left the club's pre-season tour of Asia. Alisson returned home to Brazil ahead of Liverpool's friendly match against Yokohama F Marinos in Tokyo.

The reigning Premier League champions were beaten 4-2 by AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday, before travelling to Japan to face Yokohama F Marinos. However, Alisson missed that game and new signing Giorgi Mamardashvili started instead of him.

"He had to go back to Brazil for private reasons," Slot told club media ahead of the game. "That's far from ideal – first of all for the private reasons, second of all for him to not be there in a game like this and in pre-season it's also not ideal if you miss out on part of the pre-season.

"But again, private life is more important in these matters than joining a game today."

Alisson is the third Liverpool player to have left their pre-season tour, with defender Joe Gomez the first to depart after he suffered a minor Achilles injury before the game against Milan. Slot, though, is confident Gomez will be back in action soon.

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Speaking after the loss to Milan, Slot said: "I'm looking to my left (at Virgil van Dijk), I don't think we have a concern at centre-back. In terms of depth, Ryan showed today that he can play that position. He did it last season as well.

"But although we all know that we favour him as a central midfielder. Wata (Endo) can also play centre-back. Joe Gomez only has a minor injury. He's been good for us last season as well. We have enough options left but it's true that Jarell Quansah left and we haven't replaced him."

Luis Diaz also left the squad on Monday, having said his goodbyes before flying out to Germany to complete his £65m move to Bayern Munich. "I'm very happy, it means a lot to me to be part of FC Bayern," Diaz said after the deal was confirmed.

"They're one of the biggest clubs in the world. I want to help my new team with my way of playing football and my character. My goal is to win every possible title, and that's what we'll work for every day as a team."

Bayern's sporting director Christoph Freund added: "Luis creates a real goal threat and is a scorer, who at the same time works incredibly hard for his team. He's quick, a versatile footballer and brings an intense style of play to the game.

"He's also gained a lot of experience at the top level with Liverpool and the Colombian national team. Luis Diaz represents a complete package that will thrill our fans."

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