Liverpool Injury Update: Latest on Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley and more | OneFootball

Liverpool Injury Updates Ahead of Bournemouth Opener

Liverpool begin their Premier League title defence this Friday night at Anfield against Bournemouth with encouraging news on the fitness front. Arne Slot’s side have just three players unavailable, a marked improvement on some recent seasons where injuries have heavily disrupted the squad.

The Reds’ final outing before the opener was the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley. Twice Liverpool led, but Palace equalised on both occasions before prevailing on penalties. Mohamed Salah blazed his spot-kick over the bar, while Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott saw their efforts saved by Dean Henderson.

Although Slot will have been concerned by the two goals conceded, continuing a trend of defensive frailty in pre-season, the fact that his players emerged without fresh injury concerns offers a welcome positive before the visit of Bournemouth.

Ryan Gravenberch Unavailable Through Suspension

Ryan Gravenberch was a surprise absentee from the Community Shield squad. Slot revealed to TNT Sports before kick-off that “Ryan Gravenberch became a father yesterday,” explaining his absence from the travelling party.

Photo: IMAGO

However, the midfielder would have been unavailable regardless, serving a one-match suspension after being sent off in last season’s final game, coincidentally also against Crystal Palace. The ban carries over into the new campaign, meaning he will miss the Bournemouth clash but be eligible to return for the trip to Newcastle on Monday, 25 August.

Potential return date: Newcastle (a), Monday 25 August 2025

Joe Gomez Making Progress From Calf Issue

Joe Gomez was forced to return early from Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia with a calf problem. Slot expressed hope during the tour that the defender’s absence would be short-term, but the Community Shield came too soon.

Photo: IMAGO

With Gomez sidelined, Liverpool’s recognised central defensive options are limited to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. “Unfortunately, he has a minor injury at the moment, but he will be back with the team very soon,” Slot confirmed.

Potential return date: Arsenal (h), Sunday 31 August 2025

Conor Bradley Nearing Full Fitness

Conor Bradley’s breakthrough season remains on hold after an injury that has kept him out of pre-season fixtures, including the Community Shield and the friendly double-header against Athletic Bilbao.

The specific nature of the Northern Ireland international’s injury has not been disclosed, but Slot admitted it would be “tight” for him to feature at Wembley. His comments suggest a return is not far away, with the Arsenal match later this month a realistic target.

Potential return date: Arsenal (h), Sunday 31 August 2025

Photo IMAGO

Stronger Squad for Season Kick-Off

Liverpool’s relatively short injury list offers Slot the opportunity to name a near full-strength squad for the Bournemouth match. With only three absentees, competition for places will be fierce, and the emphasis will be on a strong start to the title defence.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, will be aiming to test Liverpool’s resolve after the defensive lapses seen in pre-season. Slot will be looking for a sharper display from his back line and an efficient attacking performance to set the tone for the campaign.