Liverpool vs Bournemouth team news ahead of the Premier League clash at Anfield.
Liverpool begin the defence of the Premier League title when the 2025-26 season gets underway against AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday (8pm BST).
The Reds enjoyed a 2024-25 campaign that no-one quite expected. After the exit of Jurgen Klopp as manager, there was plenty of trepidation, especially as his replacement from Feyenoord was unheralded. Yet Arne Slot’s impact in the Liverpool hot seat caught almost everyone by surprise.
The remit in Slot’s maiden year was to ensure the Reds finished in the Champions League places. Instead, he added a 20th English championship to the trophy cabinet. Liverpool claimed the Premier League crown in comfortable fashion and were deserving winners.
Now the challenge for Slot is to win back-to-back titles. There is significantly more pressure on the head coach, especially given that Liverpool have spent in the region of £260 million on new players, including the club’s transfer record being smashed with £100 million paid for Florian Wirtz.
The Reds raised the curtain on the new season with a penalty shootout loss to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, with the game finished 2-2 after 90 minutes. There were some exciting aspects of Liverpool’s performance but there were some concerns defensively.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, head into the campaign after a record ninth-place finish with 56 points. But it’s been no surprise that the Cherries have had their best players poached, with Liverpool signing Milos Kerkez for £40 million, while Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabaryni moving to Real Madrid and PSG respectively.
Ahead of the much-anticipated encounter, here is a look at the early team news for both sides.
Liverpool team news
Ryan Gravenberch - out
The midfielder is forced to watch from the stands as he serves a one-match suspension for his red card on the final day of last season. Gravenberch was absent for the Community Shield because of the birth of his child.
Stefan Bajcetic - out
Conor Bradley - doubt
The right-back has been absent for the past week after picking up a knock in training. His issue is not thought to be serious but Liverpool may have to make a decision on his fitness.
Joe Gomez - doubt
Kostas Tsimikas - doubt
Bournemouth team news
Lewis Cook - out
The midfielder picked up a knee problem at the start of the summer, which means he is set to be absent for the start of the campaign.
Enes Unal - out
The forward ruptured his ACL last January and he is still on the road to full recovery.
Justin Kluivert - major doubt
The key Bournemouth attacker has a calf injury and missed all of his side's pre-season campaign. He has not been training and may not feature at Anfield.
Luis Sinisterra - doubt
The winger, who played for Slot at Feyenoord, has also not featured throughout pre-season and hasn't played a game since March. Sinisterra is in training but much depends on whether he will be risked.
Ryan Christie - doubt
The midfielder is another who has been absent from pre-season. There is hope that Christie will be back in training this week.
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