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All eyes will be on Liverpool as it kicks off the new Premier League season in August - although one player has already been ruled out of the Reds’ opening game against Bournemouth.

Arne Slot’s side has now had all 38 of its league games for the 2025/26 season confirmed as it plans for its title defense, with Bournemouth heading to Anfield on August 15 for the first game of the new campaign.

The Reds could have at least three debutants that day, including Milos Kerkez, who may immediately face his old club after making the switch from the Cherries.

But with just under two months to go before the Premier League season kicks off, and with pre-season still to come, Slot already knows he won’t have a full-strength squad to pick from against Bournemouth.

One key player from last season’s title win is already guaranteed to be missing for the opening game, with Ryan Gravenberch suspended after being sent off in the final game of the 2024/25 campaign against Crystal Palace.

The midfielder’s ban carries over into the new season, although he will be available for the Community Shield game against FA Cup winners Palace at Wembley, which will take place on either August 9 or 10.



Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in Liverpool's final game of the 2024/25 season against Crystal Palace

Although he received a straight red on the final day, Gravenberch is only expected to be suspended for one game, having not been sent off for violent conduct which usually carries a three-game ban.

Gravenberch established himself as a key member of Slot’s side last season, starting all but one of Liverpool’s league games, with his only absence coming after the Reds had already secured the title.



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Slot will therefore have to adjust his team accordingly - the Liverpool boss should have Alexis Mac Allister available again for the start of the new season after the Argentine missed the final few games of the 2024/25 campaign through a minor injury.

He could be one option to fill in for Gravenberch, along with Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo, while Dominik Szoboszlai could find himself dropping deeper from his usual No.10 spot - a role which come under threat from Wirtz’s arrival.

Assuming Gravenberch's ban is no longer than one game, the Netherlands international should be able to return for Liverpool's second game of the season, which sees the Reds travel to Newcastle on August 23.

A crucial game against Arsenal then follows at Anfield on August 30, which Slot will hope to have a full-strength squad available for.


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