Slot confirmed a comeback from dual cores, Liverpool s defense still has hidden worries

August 5 news Liverpool coach Arne Slott confirmed before the game that captain Van Dijk and main goalkeeper Alisson are expected to make a comeback in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace. However, the team's defensive staff shortage still exists.

As the defending Premier League champion, Liverpool recently played two pre-season final warm-up matches with Athletic Bilbao a few days ago. Slot sent 32 players to play, but captain Van Dijk and Alisson did not appear. Alisson had previously left Liverpool for early Asian trip to Brazil for "private reasons". Slott admitted that the goalkeeper's absence was not an ideal state. Van Dijk has been used cautiously in this summer's warm-up match and has also missed the team's important warm-up to return to Anfield. Slott revealed that the Dutch captain was recovering from the disease at the time and was expected to recover this week. At the same time, he confirmed that "Alisson will return by then."

However, the team's injury situation is not completely optimistic. “Almost everyone is staying healthy or recovering,” Slott said, “but Joe Gomez and Connor Bradley are unable to play.” He added that the two were “very tight” in catching up with the Wembley battle this week. Gomez suffered a minor Achilles tendon injury at the end of July. This leaves only Van Dijk and Connat available in Slott's team with the only senior central defenders. The Dutch coach was firm in this regard, saying "no worries" and pointed out that defensive midfielders Heraffenberg and Endo Kazuki can play guest-starred central defenders if necessary.

Despite this, Liverpool is still rumored to be interested in introducing Crystal Palace defender Mark Guy this summer, but faces competition from Newcastle United. Bradley is a regular candidate for the right-back position in this summer when Alexander Arnold leaves the team and new player Flynnon has not yet fully integrated. Liverpool officials confirmed that the Northern Ireland international is suffering from a "slight injury" and needs to race against time to make a comeback on the weekend. Flynnon is a natural replacement for the right-back position, but he does not have to undertake Alexander Arnold-level creativity output missions. This responsibility has been transferred to the shoulders of new aid Florian Werz.