Liverpool manager Arne Slot is optimistic that both Virgil van Dijk and Alisson will be fit for the Community Shield, despite their absence from the Reds' final pre-season friendlies. Van Dijk and Alisson were not part of the squad as Liverpool played Athletic Bilbao in two consecutive matches at Anfield on Monday.
Slot disclosed before the game that skipper Van Dijk was under the weather, while keeper Alisson had to cut short the team's pre-season tour in Asia due to 'private reasons' and did not make it back for the Anfield fixtures. Following Liverpool's victories of 4-1 and 3-2, attention shifts to the upcoming Community Shield showdown with Crystal Palace on Sunday. Although Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley may not make an appearance at Wembley, Slot has indicated that Van Dijk and Alisson are expected to be named on the teamsheet.
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."
On the positive side, Slot expressed satisfaction with his side's displays against their Spanish opposition, despite lacking the finishing touch he desired.
"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.
"Especially in the second game in the first half, I think we could have scored a few goals more than we did. So that pleased me most, the ability to create the chances and even to score seven goals over two games is also good."
Following their Wembley journey for a shot at the season's opening silverware, Liverpool welcome Bournemouth on Friday, August 15 to kick off their Premier League campaign.
The Reds then face Newcastle on the road and Arsenal at Anfield before the international break arrives.