Liverpool facing potential defensive crisis ahead of Premier League opener against Bournemouth

Reds boss Arne Slot could be without up to four defensive options as title holders begin their campaign at Anfield.

Liverpool commence their defence of the Premier League title this evening (8pm BST) when they host AFC Bournemouth at Anfield.

Arne Slot surprised many by guiding the Reds to their 20th English championship in his debut season as head coach. Succeeding Jürgen Klopp — who restored Liverpool to Europe’s elite during his nine-year tenure — was always going to be a significant challenge, but Slot carried on the foundations left by his predecessor, leading the club to the league crown in comfortable fashion.

Now, the Dutchman faces the task of retaining the silverware, something Liverpool have not achieved since 1984. The Reds are fully aware of the scale of that challenge. Although more than £250 million has been invested in Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and Giorgi Mamardashvili, their main title rivals — Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea — have also strengthened.

At this early stage of the season, any slip-up will present an opportunity for competitors to gain ground. Liverpool face a Bournemouth side that enjoyed their highest-ever top-flight finish last term, ending the campaign in ninth place. However, the Reds could approach the fixture without up to four defensive options.

Slot admitted uncertainty over Joe Gomez’s availability. Liverpool’s longest-serving player sustained an Achilles injury during the pre-season tour of Asia. While he has returned to training, his readiness for competitive action remains in doubt. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot explained:

“I think he has only trained twice now, having missed quite a lot during pre-season. If you look at our bench against Palace, there were three players aged 20 or younger. So, there is a possibility that Joe might be on the bench, but I will need to assess the numbers and decide who we are going to take.”

Meanwhile, Conor Bradley missed the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace on penalties and was absent from training earlier this week, placing his involvement in doubt. Frimpong, who found the net at Wembley, is expected to make his Premier League debut.

Slot must also decide whether to reinstate Kostas Tsimikas. The left-back was unexpectedly omitted from the Community Shield squad despite featuring in a friendly against Athletic Bilbao six days earlier. Tsimikas’ future remains uncertain following the £40 million signing of Kerkez from Bournemouth. With Andy Robertson still at the club, the Greek international has effectively slipped to third choice in the position.

Nottingham Forest expressed interest in Tsimikas earlier in the transfer window, while Leeds United were also linked. However, Leeds have since secured Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille for £10 million. Tsimikas did take part in training earlier this week, leaving Slot with a decision to make.

Ryan Gravenberch, operating in the defensive midfield role, is definitely unavailable. The Dutchman, Liverpool’s first-choice option in the number-six position, must serve a suspension following his red card on the final day of last season.