Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Injury Latest on Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley and More | OneFootball

Liverpool and Bournemouth Prepare for Anfield Clash: Team News and Key Updates

Liverpool’s preparations for Friday night’s Premier League opener against AFC Bournemouth have been boosted by the return of Joe Gomez to training. The England international has been sidelined for several weeks with a minor fitness concern and is now in contention for a place in the matchday squad.

Manager Arne Slot confirmed the situation in his pre-match press conference, saying, “I have to make a decision on that. I think he only trained twice now, missed quite a lot in pre-season. But if you looked at our bench against Palace, I think there were three players that were 20 years old or younger. So, there is a possibility that Joe might be on the bench but I have to look at the numbers and who we’re going to take.”

Conor Bradley remains absent as he continues his recovery from injury, while Ryan Gravenberch is suspended following his red card on the final day of last season. Summer signing Milos Kerkez could make his competitive Anfield debut, potentially against his former club.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot Wary of Bournemouth’s Resilience

Reflecting on last season’s meetings, Slot acknowledged that Bournemouth made life far from straightforward. “They made it really difficult for us last season. We beat them 3-0, where you feel like ‘What is he talking about, difficult?’ But if you look at the game, they had the first big chance of the game, they scored a goal which was fractionally offside. Then we three times, I wouldn’t say counter-attacked them but we were very fast in moving the ball from back to forward. And all of a sudden at half-time we were 3-0 up,” he explained.

Slot praised the Cherries’ mentality, particularly their second-half response, and noted the quality of their recruitment once again this summer. He emphasised that the evening kick-off at Anfield would be a special occasion, one that players and supporters alike look forward to.

Bournemouth Injury List and Transfer Questions

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is without several key players for the trip to Merseyside. Enes Unal remains a long-term absentee after an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while Justin Kluivert will not feature. Ryan Christie has returned to training but is not match-fit, and Lewis Cook along with Luis Sinisterra are also recovering.

On Dango Ouattara’s situation amid ongoing transfer speculation, Iraola said, “Dango is going to train with us today. He’s here, he’s in the building – but it’s true, I don’t know what’s going to happen. We’re taking it day by day. I’ll ask the club if he can play, if he can travel.”

Bournemouth’s summer signings include Eli Junior Kroupi, Adrien Truffert, Djordje Petrovic and most recently Bafode Diakite.

Matchday Context

Liverpool arrive at Anfield following a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, losing 3-2 on penalties. Bournemouth’s final warm-up was a goalless draw with Real Sociedad.

Iraola is under no illusions about the size of the challenge his side faces. “It’s a tough game for us – the first of the season, and we’re up against the champions. They’ve also signed really well this summer, so we know it won’t be easy. We have to be ready, give everything, and make them feel at some point that beating us won’t be easy,” he said.

With both sides aiming to start the campaign on the front foot, Friday night promises high intensity under the Anfield lights, with Liverpool looking to assert their status as defending champions and Bournemouth eager to spring a surprise.