Ryan Gravenberch’s absence explained as Liverpool star misses Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace




Liverpool will be without Ryan Gravenberch for the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace at Wembley, with Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai starting in midfield.Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk both return to the XI after missing Monday’s friendly against Athletic Club at Anfield.PA | Liverpool will be without Ryan Gravenberch for the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace at Wembley, with Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai starting in midfieldThe Dutchman is suspended for next Friday’s Premier League opener at home to Bournemouth.However, he isn’t involved in today’s contest because, according to the Liverpool Echo, his partner gave birth on Saturday evening.As a result, he did not travel to London with the squad. JUST IN: Liverpool set to hold talks with Crystal Palace immediately after Community Shield clashPA | Liverpool have handed debuts to Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong for today’s Community Shield contest with Crystal PalaceVan Dijk, back to captain the side, partners Ibrahima Konate in central defence, with Wataru Endo offering cover as an auxiliary centre-back from the bench.Jeremie Frimpong starts at right-back and Milos Kerkez on the left, while Andy Robertson is among the substitutes.Kostas Tsimikas is not involved either amid growing transfer speculation. The Greece international, who joined from Olympiakos in 2020, is attracting interest from Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, and other Premier League clubs.His absence further fuels rumours that he could be on the move before the transfer window closes.Joe Gomez remains sidelined after an Achilles problem was identified during the Hong Kong leg of Liverpool’s summer tour. His recovery timeline has yet to be confirmed.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:PA | Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be hoping to win another trophy today, with the Reds set to face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at WembleyYoung winger Rio Ngumoha, who has been a standout performer in pre-season, is again named among the substitutes, continuing his integration into the senior set-up.Liverpool’s lineup under Slot reflects a balance between returning stars and summer opportunities for younger talent, as they look to set the tone for the 2024–25 campaign with silverware at Wembley.