As Liverpool gears up for a pair of pre-season friendlies at Anfield against Athletic Club, head coach Arne Slot has offered key updates on the team’s readiness and player availability. Despite a few missing names, Slot remains optimistic about the squad’s overall fitness as the new season approaches.
In an interview with Liverpoolfc.com, Slot shared that Virgil van Dijk, Conor Bradley, Alisson Becker, and Joe Gomez would not be involved in the upcoming matches. The reasons vary from minor injuries to illness and recovery from travel.
“Virgil is sick today. We miss out on Alisson. Joe Gomez is not there, Conor Bradley is not there,” Slot said.
Slot also emphasized that most of the squad has stayed fit and that new signings are settling in well.
“Almost all of them are fit or stayed fit… and the new signings came in, so they got adjusted to what we want.”
With Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield and Bournemouth on the Premier League opener calendar, fans are understandably concerned about fitness levels.
Slot reassured supporters:
Virgil van Dijk is expected to return swiftly, and Alisson Becker will be back in time.
Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley may face a race against time to be fully fit.
“Virgil normally is not a concern,” Slot stated. “Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley, it’s going to be tight. Alisson will be back in time as well.”
While Slot didn’t specify which new signings he was referencing, he made it clear that they are blending well with the squad—both in understanding tactics and adjusting to the club environment.
This bodes well as the team moves into a competitive rhythm, with fans eager to see how these players fit into Liverpool’s evolving structure.
“Looking forward first of all to today and then to the next weeks,” he concluded.
Though early in his reign, Arne Slot’s approach to managing fitness and communication seems deliberate and thoughtful. His transparency and balanced tone provide fans with clarity without panic—a reassuring trait as Liverpool prepares for a long season.
His emphasis on adaptation and readiness reflects a clear strategic mindset. It’s not just about fielding a strong 11—it’s about long-term chemistry, cohesion, and confidence-building.
Liverpool enters their final stretch of pre-season with a few players on the sidelines, but nothing alarming in the bigger picture. Slot’s leadership is showing early signs of steadiness and discipline—qualities that could shape the team’s performance in the months ahead.
With key players expected to return soon, and the new signings adjusting smoothly, the Reds look well-positioned to hit the ground running.
