Liverpool manager Arne Slot extinguishes concerns over a crucial player's accessibility, following a private matter and missed game at Anfield
Liverpool's Squad Status Ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League Season
Liverpool FC, under the management of Arne Slot, is gearing up for an exciting start to the 2025/26 Premier League season. The team's key player availability has been a topic of discussion, with several players dealing with injuries and personal matters.
Alisson Becker is currently doubtful due to a fitness issue linked to a personal matter that required him to leave the pre-season tour in Asia. He has recently returned to training, and the Liverpool manager expects him to be back in time for the Community Shield against Crystal Palace and the Premier League start. However, his full fitness and return date are still officially unknown.
Virgil van Dijk, ranked as the world's best center-back by a renowned website, was recently sidelined due to illness during pre-season. Despite this, he is not expected to be at risk for missing major upcoming matches and is likely to be available for both the Community Shield and the league opener.
Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are both facing uncertainty due to injuries. Bradley is doubtful because of a muscle injury sustained during pre-season, and his return date is unknown. Gomez is injured with a minor Achilles issue, which forced him to leave the pre-season tour early. Despite the injuries being minor, Liverpool staff are cautious, and both players' availability for the Community Shield and early league games is described as "tight."
In the absence of Alisson, the Reds have a new signing in Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has played in his absence during the pre-season. Mamardashvili deputized for Liverpool in Alisson's absence during the more senior of the two XIs' 3-2 victory against Athletic Club.
The season's first match for Liverpool will be against Bournemouth, followed by a second match against Newcastle United. The team's title defense begins against Bournemouth on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Notably, Liverpool's 2025/26 Premier League campaign starts earlier than most other clubs due to their participation in the FA Community Shield.
The Community Shield match will be between Liverpool and FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Liverpool have won the Community Shield 16 times in their history, while Crystal Palace's only major silverware is their FA Cup triumph from the previous season.
Slot stated that the availability of Gomez and Bradley for the Community Shield match is uncertain. Alisson, however, is expected to be available for Liverpool's upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
Liverpool secured two victories during their pre-season tour versus LaLiga side Athletic Club and Yokohama F. Marinos. These wins provide a positive note as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
- The Premier League campaign for Liverpool FC, managed by Arne Slot, will see them competing in European-leagues such as the Premier League, with their title defense beginning against Bournemouth.
- Despite concerns about the fitness of key players like Alisson Becker and Conor Bradley, Liverpool have reinforcements in goal with the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has shown promise during pre-season matches.
