Wembley, August 10, 2025 — Liverpool will enter their Community Shield fixture against Crystal Palace dealing with multiple defensive absences, while Palace themselves are missing four important players. This sets up what promises to be a highly unpredictable curtain-raiser for the new season.
Liverpool’s Defensive Concerns
Joe Gomez is sidelined with an Achilles injury. Though considered minor, it is enough to keep him out of action.
Conor Bradley is struggling with a muscle problem and is uncertain to feature.
Virgil van Dijk has returned to training after recovering from illness, but his fitness for the match is still doubtful.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is back after missing pre-season due to personal matters, but Giorgi Mamardashvili remains a contender for the starting spot.
Crystal Palace’s Injury Challenges
Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that Cheick Doucouré, Matheus França, Caleb Kporha, and Eddie Nketiah will all miss the game, leaving gaps in Palace’s midfield and attack.
Reactions and Expectations
At Anfield, confidence is fragile:
> “Honestly, I don’t think we can get past Palace today. Our two key players who could have made a difference are out, and the others aren’t reliable enough. I wanted to kick off with a trophy, but Palace seem better prepared. Unless something extraordinary happens, it won’t be our day.”
With Liverpool’s defense weakened and several starters doubtful, Crystal Palace—despite their own injury setbacks—appear to have the edge. The FA Cup holders look sharp and ready to challenge for the trophy.
Though the match hasn’t started yet, this Community Shield promises to be one of the most captivating in recent memory.
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