Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a fitness update ahead of the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace and the Premier League opener versus Bournemouth. Key players Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are currently doubts for these upcoming matches due to injury concerns. Bradley missed a recent pre-season friendly against Athletic Club because of an injury sustained in training, while Gomez has remained unavailable following Liverpool’s Asian tour.

Slot confirmed that captain Virgil van Dijk was sidelined during the pre-season friendly due to illness, but he is expected to be fit for the Community Shield match on August 10 and the league opener. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is also currently absent but is anticipated to return in time for these fixtures.

The manager said, “Almost all the players are fit or have stayed fit,” but added that the availability of Gomez and Bradley for the early season games is uncertain, describing their fitness as a “race” against time. This has led to potential tactical adjustments, with Jeremie Frimpong emerging as a likely starting right-back if Bradley is unavailable.

Despite these injury setbacks, Slot remains optimistic about the squad's overall condition, highlighting that new signings have been adapting well to his system during pre-season. The focus for Liverpool is now on preparation for their upcoming competitive matches while managing these player fitness concerns.

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