Arne Slot has confirmed that several key players will miss Monday’s double-header against Athletic Club, with doubts lingering ahead of Liverpool’s Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace and their Premier League opener.
Speaking to LFCTV, the head coach revealed that Virgil van Dijk has been ruled out of today’s friendlies due to illness, while Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are both sidelined with minor injuries. Alisson Becker also remains unavailable after returning home during the Asia tour for personal reasons.
“Almost all of them are fit or stayed fit,” said Slot. “Unfortunately, Virgil is sick today. We miss out on Alisson. Joe Gomez is not there, Conor Bradley is not there.”
Slot added that while Van Dijk and Alisson are expected to recover in time for the new season, Bradley and Gomez are facing a race to be ready.
“Virgil normally not,” he said when asked about their availability for the Community Shield or league opener. “Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley, it’s going to be tight. Alisson will be back in time as well.”
Despite the setbacks, Slot remained positive about the squad’s overall condition.
“Until now we have stayed fit as we wanted to be, and new signings came in so they got adjusted to what we want,” he said. “Looking forward first of all to today and then to the next weeks.”
