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Liverpool’s back-up goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was forced off on a stretcher with a concerning injury during the first Merseyside Derby at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.
The Georgian, 25, has started between the sticks for Liverpool since No 1 goalkeeper Alisson Becker suffered a hamstring injury last month.
But Mamardashvili now looks set for a period on the sidelines himself after being taken off on a stretcher by Liverpool’s medical staff following Beto’s equaliser in the second half.
The Toffees striker cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s opening goal with a sliding tap-in from close range in the 54th minute but unfortunately collided with Mamardashvili as he and Andy Robertson both followed through.
Mamardashvili’s injury meant that third-choice Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman was called upon to play the remainder of the Merseyside derby.
Woodman, who has played for the likes of Newcastle and Bournemouth in the Premier League, joined Liverpool from Preston North End last summer and has only played once since his arrival – during the Reds’ 3-0 defeat by Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in October.
Liverpool’s back-up goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili went off on a stretcher against Everton
Freddie Woodman replaced him, making his first Premier League appearance for Liverpool
Replacing Mamardashvili marked Woodman’s first Premier League appearance for Arne Slot’s side, who have been experiencing an injury crisis of late.
Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and the World Cup with an Achilles injury, while Alisson, Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, Jayden Danns and Conor Bradley are also on the sidelines.
Later in the match, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite was also taken off on a stretcher in tears, having appeared to have suffered a hamstring injury.
