Summary:
- Alisson Becker is unlikely to feature after returning to Brazil for personal reasons.
- Arne Slot may field a near full-strength XI ahead of the Community Shield.
- New signings and standout youngsters are expected to get minutes at Anfield.
Liverpool is getting ready for their final two pre-season matches ahead of the FA Community Shield, the much anticipated yearly match at Wembley Stadium between the previous season’s Premier League champs and the current holders of the FA Cup.
However, Arnie Slot’s side is expected to do so without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Back to Brazil
The Brazilian didn’t feature in the 4-1 win over Yokohama Marinos and has since returned to his home country for undisclosed “private reasons”, making his appearance in either of Monday’s friendlies against Athletic Club highly unlikely.
Ahead of the game in Japan, head coach Slot called the player’s decision to return to Brazil
Far from ideal – first of all for the private reasons, second of all for him to not be there in a game like this and in pre-season
Slot, however, emphasized that
Private life is more important in these matters than joining a game today
Natalia Becker posted,
Post op pic Portrait of a real life. 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.
Chiesa Could Be Back, Gomez Still Recovering
Back on home soil at Anfield, head coach Arne Slot now has a clearer picture of his squad heading into the new season. Federico Chiesa, who was sidelined during the Asia tour with a muscle issue, could return to the pitch.
Joe Gomez’s Achilles injury picked up last month in training will force him to stay away from the two matches scheduled for 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. BST.
Slot is expected to use them as a chance to field both a strong starting XI while giving key minutes to younger players and non-regular starters.
With the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace just around the corner, it’s likely one of Monday’s games will feature a near full-strength lineup.
Conor Bradley has made a strong case to claim the starting right-back role, lining up alongside Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Milos Kerkez against Yokohama, possibly Slot’s preferred defensive quartet moving forward.
Meanwhile, freshly signed Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz are expected to build chemistry with regulars like Mohamed Salah, who will likely fill in his usual right-wing position. Alexis Mac Allister, who returned to action in the last game, could feature again.
In terms of midfield and attack, Slot can take his pick from Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch, alongside other viable choices like young talents Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni.
Meanwhile, the futures of Darwin Núñez, Harvey Elliott, and Tyler Morton are still shaping up.