Virgil van Dijk
IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY IMAGES
Arne Slot provided the latest Liverpool squad update ahead of the pair of pre-season friendlies against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield.
The Premier League champions are back at Anfield tonight for a friendly double-header with the La Liga side.
The two friendlies are scheduled for 4pm and 7pm GMT kick-offs, respectively.
The Reds saw off Preston North End 3-1 last month to kick off their pre-season campaign.
Liverpool then secured a convincing 5-0 victory over Championship rivals Stoke City in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
However, the Reds suffered a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan on July 26, before bouncing back with a 3-1 win over Yokohama in the J.League World Challenge.
These matches against Athletic Club will be the Reds’ last outings before they travel to London to face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday.
Ahead of the game, Conor Bradley and Virgil van Dijk were ruled out due to a minor injury and illness, respectively, while Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez remain unavailable after departing the Reds’ pre-season tour of Asia.
Slot 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 came in so they got adjusted to what we want. Looking forward first of all to today and then to the next weeks.”
The Dutchman was also asked if any of that quartet are at risk of being sidelined for the Crystal Palace clash or the Premier League opener at home to Bournemouth.
“Virgil normally not,” he replied. “Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley, it’s going to be tight. Alisson will be back in time as well.”
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