Liverpool enter their Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace carrying both momentum and concerns, shaped by the end of a trophy-laden previous season, a summer of heavy squad turnover, and a handful of fitness setbacks that are weighing on Arne Slot’s plans. The curtain-raiser at Wembley offers a glimpse of his revamped side, but some names are conspicuously absent. Here’s the lowdown on who will not feature in the game—and how their absence shapes Liverpool’s approach.
Liverpool’s injury update ahead of the Community Shield reveals that Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, Stefan Bajcetic and possibly Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker are unavailable or uncertain. Joe Gomez is confirmed out with an Achilles issue, ruled out for this fixture. Conor Bradley is doubtful due to a muscular injury; Slot acknowledged that his return would be tight for the game. Stefan Bajcetic is also missing out due to a hamstring problem. Virgil van Dijk, who missed pre-season friendlies due to illness, is doubtful but Slot expressed confidence he will be fit. Likewise, Alisson returned to training after attending to personal matters but is expected to be available—though still uncertain at this point.
the squad and Slot has confirmed he is still recovering. This compels Liverpool to rely heavily on their remaining defenders. Conor Bradley’s fitness is hanging in the balance, and if unavailable, further exposes depth issues at right-back. Stefan Bajcetic’s absence removes midfield rotation options.
Virgil van Dijk’s illness earlier in pre-season cast doubts over his match readiness. Yet he trained later and Slot expects he will be fine for Sunday—still, if not at full capacity, it compromises the defensive spine. Alisson’s return from personal absence is a boost, though doubts linger; Slot indicated he should be back in time for both this match and the league opener.
signings, offsetting absences. Slot assembled a starting XI with Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, while opting to rest Mac Allister to avoid full 90 minutes. Joel Ngumoha also remained on the bench amid rotation decisions. But still, the missing names reflect a lack of squad depth, particularly at the back.
To summarize who will definitely miss the Liverpool vs Crystal Palace match: Joe Gomez is unavailable with an Achilles injury. Conor Bradley is doubtful due to a muscle issue. Stefan Bajcetic is out with a hamstring injury. Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker are classed as doubtful—Slot expects they will likely be available, but their fitness remains in question.
The rest of the squad, including Mac Allister, is fit enough for selection, though Slot is managing minutes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is no longer with the club, having departed last season, but he isn’t missed due to injury—he simply isn’t on the roster anymore. That’s a permanent absence from Liverpool’s structure
Additionally, Alexis Mac Allister is back from a long layoff and part of the squad, but not ready for the full 90 minutes. Slot purposely kept him on the bench, indicating he’s available but being cautiously managed.
Likewise, Ryan Gravenberch missed the game due to the birth of his child, although he should be available soon. Slot confirms he’s ready for return, but he wasn’t involved in this match. Out: Joe Gomez, Stefan Bajcetic.
Doubtful (but likely to be fit): Conor Bradley, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker. Unavailable for other reasons: Ryan Gravenberch
The implications of these absentees are considerable. Liverpool’s defensive depth is thin. With Gomez injured, Konaté and Van Dijk carry the load; if either is compromised, the backline could be shaky. Bradley’s doubtful status may force continued reliance on new signing Frimpong or backup fullbacks in rotation. Bajcetic’s absence affects midfield options, making rotation tougher during a campaign with high fixtures. Alisson’s return is a relief, but any limitations could mean Mamardashvili features.
Slot has actively recruited, bringing in Wirtz, Ekitike, Frimpong, Kerkez, Mamardashvili to address gaps. Yet with outgoing veterans like Alexander-Arnold, Díaz, Núñez, Quansah, even a deep new squad feels light in Morgan’s centre-back and attack.
That’s the current picture of Liverpool players missing the Crystal Palace match. Liverpool’s strategy will involve leaning on new signings and their remaining fit core, hoping to balance integration and results right from the first whistle at Wembley. Let me know if you’d like more detail on projected lineups or how Slot might navigate squad rotation in the weeks ahead.
