Liverpool manager Arne Slot is confident that both Virgil van Dijk and Alisson will be fit for the Community Shield despite missing the Reds’ last preseason friendly.
On Monday, Liverpool hosted Athletic Bilbao at Anfield in two straight games without Van Dijk and Alisson in the starting lineup.
Prior to the match, Slot revealed that captain Van Dijk was not feeling well, while keeper Alisson had to cut short his preseason trip with the team to Asia for “private reasons” and was unable to return for the Anfield games.
After Liverpool’s 4-1 and 3-2 wins, focus will turn to Sunday’s Community Shield matchup against Crystal Palace.
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Slot Provided Liverpool Injury Update
According to The Daily Express, Slot has stated that Van Dijk and Alisson are anticipated to be listed on the teamsheet, despite the possibility that Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley won’t play at Wembley.
When questioned about the possibility of the four players missing the match against Palace, the Liverpool manager stated: “Virgil normally not. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley, it’s going to be tight. Alisson will be back in time as well.”
Alisson’s wife, Natalia, appeared to confirm via Instagram that his early return was due to her undergoing surgery.
She shared: “Post op pic portrait of a real life,” adding, “Now I’m recovering at home. Thank God, to the wonderful team that served me and all the love I received, everything is evolving well. Thanks to all who sent messages.”
Despite not getting the finishing touch he wanted, Slot was pleased with his team’s performances against their Spanish opponents.
“I think in both games we created a lot of chances, scored seven goals – four in the first, three in the second – so that’s very pleasing to see because we definitely didn’t score every chance we had,” the Liverpool boss reflected after the match.
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