Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper Alisson will not be rushed back from injury, manager Arne Slot said on Tuesday ahead of the leaders' midweek Premier League clash at Newcastle United.
The Brazilian has been out since early October because of a hamstring injury although he has hardly been missed with understudy Caoimhin Kelleher impressing.
"I think I have been clear a few weeks ago about what my position is about our goalkeepers, but we are just waiting for Alisson to be completely fit because Caoimhin is doing too well to put Alisson on goal if he's only 50%," Slot told reporters.
"That would not be good for Alisson and it would not be good for the team. He's getting there, it might take a few more extra days, but he's getting closer.
"Like I've always said, the end phase of a rehab is always the period where you feel like 'okay, is he really there or does he need extra days?' But he will be in goal before the end of December if things continue like they are now."
Ireland's Kelleher has made 11 appearances this season in all competitions and has kept four clean sheets in his last five games, including against Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Liverpool head to Newcastle on Wednesday with a commanding nine-point lead in the Premier League and they are 11 ahead of reigning champions City after beating them on Sunday.
"We know we have a difficult week coming up again and as we thought, Real Madrid and Man City were difficult to face," Slot said. "I think it's even harder to go to Newcastle away as well.
"We're not even halfway through the season yet, but it's a good position to be in. That's definitely true."
