Ox faces year KO

from pretty much the day after he got the injury. And after the successful surgery, we were sure of it.

“There has been no change, no setback, it’s exactly on the schedule we expected and planned for.

“His surgery, which he had on the day of our second leg in Rome, has been completely successful and his recovery has started superbly well.

“But the truth of the matter is that we are preparing this season knowing he will not be with us on the pitch for competitive matches for the majority of it.

“If we do see him back this season, it will be a bonus.”

Roma keeper

Alisson (right) will become the world’s most expensive goalkeeper today.

Liverpool have agreed to pay the

Italian side an initial

£57.9m plus £8.9m in add-ons after a failed bid of £62m.

Alisson has agreed personal terms with the Reds and will sign a six-year contract ahead of a medical on Merseyside today.

It is understood the Brazil No.1 will be Liverpool’s final signing of the summer.

Italian website Forza Roma yesterday published a video which it said showed Alisson at Rome’s Ciampino airport, preparing to board a private jet for Manchester.

Alisson spoke in the video, saying: “Greetings to Roma fans. I’m sorry but I cannot say any more, I’ll say everything later.”