Liverpool line-up v Athletic Club
IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY IMAGES
Liverpool end their pre-season preparations with an Anfield double-header when they host Athletic Bilbao in two separate matches.
The first game, which kicked off at 4pm GMT, saw the Reds secure a 4-1 win.
Liverpool were three goals ahead by half-time, courtesy of strikes from Rio Ngumoha, Darwin Nunez, and Ben Doak.
Harvey Elliott added a fourth after the break, while Gorka Guruzeta pulled one back for the visitors late in the game.
The teams will meet again in just over an hour for the day’s second encounter.
Conor Bradley and Virgil van Dijk have been ruled out of the game 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.
Arne 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.”
Last year, Slot’s side also faced Spanish sides Sevilla and Las Palmas at Anfield before the season got underway.
The two friendlies are expected to allow Slot to give his players more minutes as they continue to build their fitness for their Premier League title defence this season.
Liverpool will hope to secure yet another victory before next weekend, when they travel to Wembley to take on FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday.
This is the first time Liverpool wear their Adidas kit after their 10-year partnership finally got underway on Friday.
Liverpool: Mamardashvili, Konate, Szoboszlai, Salah, Gakpo, Endo, Gravenberch, Ekitike, Kerkez, Wirtz, Frimpong.
Subs: Pecsi, Chiesa, Nallo, Morrison, Davidson, Wright.
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