Sunday's return to Anfield felt different. The familiar strains of 'Three Little Birds' carried a weight they haven't had to bear for years. This wasn't celebration, this was hope. Hope that next season will be kinder than this tortuous campaign that's left everyone emotionally drained.

Right in the middle of it all stood Alisson Becker, back between the posts after 10 games out with another hamstring problem. That superb close-range save to deny Brentford showed exactly why his absence has been felt so keenly. There's a calmness he brings that Giorgi Mamardashvili, for all his promise, simply can't replicate yet.

But here's the thing that's eating away at everyone. Alisson's injury record has become a genuine problem. The numbers don't lie and they make for uncomfortable reading. He missed 18 of Liverpool's 50 Premier League and Champions League matches this season. That's 36% of our most important games. Last term it was 28%. The campaign before, 27% of Premier League matches alone.

When you're dealing with one of the finest goalkeepers in world football, losing him for more than a third of crucial matches isn't sustainable. It was always going to catch up with us eventually.

That recurring hamstring issue has forced Liverpool into an impossible position. The club triggered their option to extend Alisson's contract by 12 months earlier this year, partly to prevent him leaving on a free this summer. But that hasn't stopped the speculation swirling around his future.

The mixed messages aren't helping anyone's nerves. Italian outlet Tuttosport claimed over the weekend that Alisson has agreed a three-year deal with Juventus. Then WinWin.com suggested he's decided to stay at Liverpool. Welcome to transfer silly season, where every rumour gets amplified until nobody knows what's actually happening.

Watching Alisson during Sunday's lap of appreciation gave little away. He didn't look like someone preparing to follow Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson out the door. But then again, he's too professional to let much slip in public.

The Caoimhin Kelleher situation adds another layer of complexity. His performance for Brentford only highlighted how good he is and how much Liverpool might regret letting him go. Those calling for his return need to face reality though. Without a buyback clause, Liverpool would need to pay significantly more than the £18million deal they agreed last summer. That's not exactly ideal business.

Mamardashvili's readiness remains the elephant in the room. He's clearly talented, but is he ready to be Liverpool's undisputed number one? Kelleher's continued excellence elsewhere suggests maybe the Georgian needs more time to develop.

Liverpool can't afford to lose another strong dressing room personality. This squad needs leaders, not more departures. But equally, they can't build their season around a goalkeeper who might miss a third of their most important matches.

Alisson will now focus on Brazil and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. As his country's number one, the pressure will be immense. Brazil haven't won the World Cup for 24 years and that weight of expectation follows him everywhere.

After international duty, the real decisions begin. A suitable offer from Juventus would undoubtedly make everyone think twice. The Italian giants can offer Champions League football and a fresh challenge for a goalkeeper approaching his mid-thirties.

Liverpool's choice is stark but simple. Keep Alisson for at least one more season and hope his fitness improves, or cash in while his value remains high and trust Mamardashvili to step up immediately.

The next few weeks will determine whether one of Liverpool's most reliable performers becomes another casualty of this summer's inevitable rebuild.