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Liverpool vs Athletic Club: Squad Update – Van Dijk, Bradley, Alisson, Gomez Ruled Out
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Key Players Missing as Liverpool Prepares for Athletic Club Friendly
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a crucial squad update ahead of the Reds’ pre-season friendlies against Athletic Club at Anfield. Several key players, including Virgil van Dijk, Conor Bradley, Alisson Becker, and Joe Gomez, will miss the upcoming matches due to injuries and illness.
The match against Athletic Club is an important part of Liverpool’s pre-season preparations, giving Slot an opportunity to test his squad before the competitive fixtures begin. However, the absence of key stars raises questions about their availability for the upcoming Community Shield and Premier League opener.
Liverpool Squad Update: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
Van Dijk Ruled Out Due to Illness
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will miss the friendly against Athletic Club after falling ill. Slot confirmed that the Dutch defender is unlikely to be sidelined for long and should return in time for the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace.
Conor Bradley Sidelined with Minor Injury
Young right-back Conor Bradley, who impressed last season, will also miss the game due to a minor injury. Slot admitted that Bradley’s availability for the start of the Premier League season is “going to be tight,” leaving a potential gap in defense.
Alisson & Joe Gomez Still Unavailable
First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker and versatile defender Joe Gomez remain absent after leaving Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia early. While Alisson is expected to return in time for the new season, Gomez’s fitness remains a concern.
Slot’s Optimism Amid Absences
Despite the missing players, Slot remains positive about Liverpool’s pre-season progress. He told Liverpoolfc.com:
“Almost all of them are fit or stayed fit. Unfortunately, Virgil is sick today. We miss out on Alisson. Joe Gomez is not there, Conor Bradley is not there. But until now, we have stayed fit as we wanted to be, and new signings have adjusted well. We’re looking forward to today and the next weeks.”
The Dutch manager also provided updates on the players’ potential return dates:
- Van Dijk: Expected back soon, no major concerns.
- Alisson: Will return in time for the new season.
- Gomez & Bradley: Their availability for the season opener is uncertain.
What This Means for Liverpool vs Athletic Club
With Van Dijk and Bradley missing, Liverpool’s defense will see some adjustments. Youngsters like Jarell Quansah and new signings may get more minutes as Slot experiments with his lineup.
In attack, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz are expected to feature, giving fans a glimpse of Liverpool’s attacking potential ahead of the new campaign.
Looking Ahead: Community Shield & Premier League Opener
The bigger concern for Liverpool is whether these absentees will be fit for the Community Shield against Crystal Palace (August 10) and the Premier League opener against Bournemouth (August 17).
Slot confirmed:
- Van Dijk: Will likely be available.
- Alisson: Should return in time.
- Gomez & Bradley: Their participation is doubtful.
Final Thoughts: Pre-Season Challenges for Liverpool
While injuries and illnesses are part of pre-season, Liverpool will hope to have their key players back soon. The match against Athletic Club will be a good test for Slot’s side as they fine-tune their tactics before the competitive fixtures begin.
Fans will be eager to see how Liverpool performs without some of their star names, but the focus remains on ensuring full fitness ahead of the new season.
Liverpool vs Athletic Club: Match Details
- Date: [Insert Date]
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Kick-off Time: [Insert Time]
- How to Watch: [Broadcast Details]
Stay tuned for more updates on Liverpool’s squad ahead of the new season!