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Liverpool boss Arne Slot is optimistic that both Virgil van Dijk and Alisson will be fit for the Community Shield, despite the pair missing the Reds' concluding pre-season friendlies. Van Dijk and Alisson were notably absent as Liverpool played host to Athletic Bilbao in two consecutive matches at Anfield on Monday.
Ahead of the game, Slot confirmed that skipper Van Dijk was out due to illness. Regarding Alisson, the keeper had to cut short his involvement in Liverpool's pre-season tour of Asia for 'private reasons' and did not make an appearance for the Anfield double feature.
Liverpool emerged victorious with scores of 4-1 and 3-2 in the friendlies, shifting its attention to the upcoming Community Shield showdown with Crystal Palace on Sunday.
While Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley may not be ready for Wembley, Slot disclosed that Van Dijk and Alisson are expected to be named in the squad.
When questioned about the possibility of the four players missing the match against Palace, the Liverpool manager responded: "Virgil normally not. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley, it's going to be tight. Alisson will be back in time as well."
Alisson's wife, Natalia, has revealed the reason behind his early departure from the tour was her surgery.
Sharing on Instagram, Natalia wrote: "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."
Slot expressed satisfaction with his squad's performances against their La Liga adversaries, despite a desire for more clinical finishing.
"I think in both games we created a lot of chances, scored seven goals - four in the first, three in the second - so that's very pleasing to see because we definitely didn't score every chance we had," he remarked after the match.
"Especially in the second game in the first half, I think we could have scored a few goals more than we did.
"So that pleased me most, the ability to create the chances and even to score seven goals over two games is also good."
With a trip to Wembley on the cards for a shot at the season's inaugural silverware, Liverpool is set to welcome Bournemouth to Anfield on Friday, August 15, as it kicks off its Premier League title defense.
Slot's side will then face Newcastle away and Arsenal at home before the international break rolls around.
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