Liverpool learn team news as Bournemouth will be without ‘Brilliant’ star for Anfield clash

Arne Slot will begin his defence of the Premier League title when Bournemouth travel to Anfield on Friday evening.

Liverpool will have the honour, as the reigning English champions, of kicking off the 2025/26 Premier League campaign under the Anfield lights.

The Reds will have a completely different look from the side that dominated the top flight last season after Richard Hughes embarked on a lavish summer spending spree, which shows no sign of slowing down.

TBR Football exclusively reported that Giovanni Leoni will be the latest addition after Liverpool agreed a deal worth approximately £30 million with Parma for the centre-back.

Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images

He will join the likes of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, and Milos Kerkez as Arne Slot finally begins to put his own stamp on the Reds’ squad.

However, transfer business must be shelved for the time being as Liverpool look to bounce back after the Community Shield loss against Crystal Palace and begin the league season on the right track.

Bournemouth will travel without “brilliant” Justin Kluivert

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Andoni Iraola confirmed Justin Kluivert is a confirmed absentee for the trip to Anfield.

“Justin hasn’t been training with us and won’t play. Ryan (Christie) has been training this week with us, which is positive.

“It’s too early for him to play as he hasn’t done any pre-season. He hasn’t done a lot of things for a lot of weeks, so it’s too early — but it’s good to have him back on the pitch with the group.”

The 26-year-old is one of seven potential first-team players who could miss out on the matchday squad as the Cherries prepare to face a strong expected Liverpool line-up.

Chris Sutton predicts a comfortable Reds win on Friday night as the league champions prepare for the clash as the overwhelming favourites. It will undoubtedly be a monumental task for Iraola to get a result at Anfield.

Furthermore, Kluivert’s absence will be a significant blow for Bournemouth. Despite boasting six different employers on his CV, he has found a home at the Vitality Stadium – Dutch Football expert, Max Bradfield lauded his mental strength.

“All of this happened, but he’s still only 25. To have the mental strength to take on the criticism and the responsibility of your name is brilliant.”

Liverpool team news vs Bournemouth

The Reds escaped the Community Shield clash unscathed and, as things stand, have no fresh injury concerns heading to Anfield.

Conor Bradley, who missed the trip to Wembley, has remained on the sidelines as he nurses a minor injury setback.

Ryan Gravenberch also missed the Community Shield after he was granted leave due to the birth of his daughter, but the Dutchman will also be in the stands on Friday night.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

He received two yellow cards and his marching orders in the final Premier League match against Crystal Palace last season and will serve his one-match suspension.

Slot will be able to name a near-full-strength line-up at what should be a full capacity Anfield as the Premier League champions return to action.

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