With the Community Shield just days away, Arne Slot has admitted uncertainty over the availability of Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley, casting a shadow over Liverpool’s preparations.
The Reds’ boss rotated heavily during Monday’s double-header against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield, giving minutes to almost every senior player and a few academy prospects. However, four key names were missing from the action. Gomez and Bradley were sidelined with minor knocks, Virgil van Dijk sat out due to illness, and Alisson Becker remained in Brazil for personal reasons after departing the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.
Speaking ahead of the first clash with the LaLiga side, Slot provided an update on the quartet:
> “Virgil should be fine. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley – it’s going to be tight. Alisson will be back as well,” the Dutchman said via liverpoolfc.com.
Liverpool’s backline depth was already being tested, with Andy Robertson partnering teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni at centre-back in one game, and Wataru Endo filling in alongside Ibrahima Konate in the other. While pre-season is often used for tactical tweaks, such makeshift combinations highlight the thin defensive cover just days before competitive action begins.
If Van Dijk recovers and no further injuries occur, Slot could still field a strong back four of Jeremie Frimpong, Van Dijk, Konate, and Robertson for the Premier League opener. But with Nyoni also appearing to suffer a potential hamstring issue, the situation is far from ideal.
With the transfer window still open, incoming sporting director Richard Hughes may need to prioritise securing another centre-back. Even with Gomez fit, relying on only three senior central defenders heading into the busy autumn schedule could prove risky.
For now, Liverpool will be hoping for positive news from the treatment room, ensuring the Community Shield isn’t the first sign of a season-long struggle for defensive stability.
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