Four familiar names weren’t involved in the double header against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on Monday which saw The Reds win 4-1 and later 3-2 in what was an impressive display in front of the home crowd who also paid respect to Diogo Jota who passed away last month.
Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez were also absent through injury, while Alisson Becker is still in Brazil after his wife underwent surgery. Captain Virgil van Dijk was also missing and Slot has explained all the absences which have worried Liverpool fans ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace.
“Almost all of them are fit or stayed fit,” Slot said on his squad.
“Unfortunately, Virgil is sick today. We miss out on Alisson. Joe Gomez is not there, Conor Bradley is not there.
“But until now we have stayed fit as we wanted to be and new signings came in so they got adjusted to what we want. Looking forward first of all to today and then to the next weeks.”
Mohamed Salah and a Cody Gakpo brace was the difference in the evening kick-off at Anfield as Liverpool cruised to an easy victory. However, Sunday’s clash won’t be so easy and without the likes of Bradley, Van Dijk and Alisson in defence then Slot may find it hard to control the game and Palace’s attack may run riot.
Slot added a final comment which will spread even more anxiety amongst Liverpool fans who will hope to see their side lift another piece of silverware this weekend. He was asked whether the four absentees will be fit enough to start the game and revealed that it is going to be a close call.
“Virgil normally not. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley, it’s going to be tight. Alisson will be back in time as well.”