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.

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.

Arne Slot issues four-man Liverpool injury update ahead of Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace	Arne Slot admits two Liverpool players could miss Community Shield and start of season	Arne Slot reveals Liverpool concern ahead of Crystal Palace Community Shield encounter

When questioned about the possibility of the four players missing the match against Palace, the Liverpool manager responded: "Virgil normally not.

Virgil van Dijk was missing for Liverpool

"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