Wembley, August 10, 2025 — Liverpool will head into their Community Shield showdown with Crystal Palace missing two defenders, while Palace themselves are without four players, setting the stage for one of the most unpredictable season openers in years.
Liverpool’s Defensive Setbacks
Joe Gomez is ruled out with an Achilles issue—described as “minor” but still enough to keep him sidelined.
Conor Bradley is battling a muscle injury and faces a race against time to be fit.
Virgil van Dijk has returned to training after illness, but his availability remains uncertain.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has rejoined the squad after missing pre-season for personal reasons, though Giorgi Mamardashvili could still get the nod to start.
Crystal Palace’s Absentees
Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Cheick Doucouré, Matheus França, Caleb Kporha, and Eddie Nketiah are unavailable, leaving the squad stretched in midfield and attack.
Mood Around the Clubs
At Anfield, optimism is thin:
“Honestly, I can’t see us beating Palace today. My two most reliable players—who could’ve turned the match—are out. The rest? Not dependable. I wanted to start with silverware, but Palace look better prepared. Unless we get a miracle, it’s not our day.”
With Liverpool’s backline weakened and several starters in doubt, the odds seem to favor Crystal Palace. Despite their own injury list, the FA Cup winners appear sharper and better placed for victory.
The curtain-raiser hasn’t even kicked off, yet it’s already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing Community Shields in recent memory.
