Manager Arne Slot addresses concerns over a key player's availability following a personal matter and his absence from Anfield
Liverpool FC, the reigning Premier League champions, are gearing up for their title defense with a challenging start. The Reds' campaign kicks off on the opening weekend against Bournemouth, followed by a trip to Newcastle [1].
However, Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces some selection dilemmas due to injury concerns. Defenders Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are yet to recover from their respective injuries, and their participation in the upcoming matches is uncertain [1][2].
On a positive note, Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, has returned to training after attending to a personal matter in Brazil. He is expected to be available for the Community Shield against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace on August 10 and the Premier League opener [1][3].
Virgil van Dijk, ranked as the top center-back in the world by our website, missed Liverpool's recent preseason friendlies due to illness but is likely to be fit for the Community Shield and the league opener [2].
Liverpool have a rich history in the Community Shield, having won it on 16 previous occasions. This year, they will face Crystal Palace, who clinched their only major silverware in their history - the FA Cup - last term [4].
The Reds had a successful preseason, winning both of their friendlies against Athletic Club and Yokohama F. Marinos [5]. In Alisson's absence, new signing Giorgi Mamardashvili deputised for the Reds during the more senior of the two XIs' 3-2 victory against Athletic Club [6]. He also played in goal during the win versus Yokohama F. Marinos during the pre-season tour [7].
Meanwhile, Alisson's wife underwent surgery, and the couple posted a photo on social media following the successful procedure [8].
As Liverpool prepares for the new season, the defensive injuries pose a significant challenge. However, with Alisson and van Dijk expected to be fit, the Reds can still count on their experienced duo for the season's crucial early matches.
[1] https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/313076-liverpool-fc-team-news-bournemouth-premier-league-opening-day [2] https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/312948-liverpool-fc-team-news-community-shield-crystal-palace [3] https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/312755-alisson-becker-returns-to-training-after-personal-matter [4] https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/312948-liverpool-fc-team-news-community-shield-crystal-palace [5] https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/312650-liverpool-fc-team-news-yokohama-f-marinos-pre-season-friendly [6] https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/312470-liverpool-fc-team-news-athletic-club-pre-season-friendly [7] https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/312650-liverpool-fc-team-news-yokohama-f-marinos-pre-season-friendly [8] https://www.instagram.com/p/CfKJLdjLBkI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The upcoming season presents a challenging start for Liverpool FC, with the defending Premier League champions set to face Bournemouth and Newcastle in their first matches. Despite injury concerns for Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley, the Reds' first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, is expected to be available for the season's crucial early matches, including the Community Shield against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. Moreover, Virgil van Dijk, ranked as the top center-back in the world, is likely to be fit for these important games as well.
