Liverpool update

Arne Slot explains why Ryan Gravenberch will miss the Liverpool Community Shield after the birth of his child.

Slot explains Gravenberch absence at Community Shield

Ryan Gravenberch will miss the Community Shield at Wembley after his partner gave birth on Saturday. Slot said Gravenberch became a dad last night, so he will not feature today. Four summer signings Hugo Ekitike Jeremie Frimpong Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz start this afternoon. Slot added that the team must aim to play the best game possible but also respect the challenge Palace bring to Wembley.

He noted Palace have the same core group as last season, a sign of the club's continuity. Slot warned that Palace are here for a reason, pointing to their recent wins over Villa in the Emirates FA Cup semi final and City in the final. The manager framed the match as a test of balance between quality and cohesion as they begin the new campaign.

Gravenberch missing the game because of a personal moment reminds fans that players life outside football matters. Slot's emphasis on cohesion shows a cautious approach that prioritizes continuity over rapid experimentation.

The match also tests how quickly the four new signings can gel. With Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz in the starting lineup, the team must balance freshness with the core structure that carried them last season. The result will be read as an early signal of Liverpool capacity to handle a busy schedule and strong opposition.

Highlights

The day at Wembley highlights how football blends family moments with the business of building a title-ready squad.