Van Dijk, Alisson Return Boost Liverpool Ahead Community Shield

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has emphasized that retaining the Premier League title is the minimum expectation for a club like Liverpool, highlighting the team's ambition for silverware this season following significant investment in new players. Van Dijk praised the summer signings, including Florian Wirtz, for their promising integration into the squad and stressed the importance of the club's leadership and culture in helping new recruits settle. Both Van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson Becker missed recent pre-season matches due to illness and personal matters, respectively, but have since returned to training, providing a fitness boost ahead of Liverpool's Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace. Manager Arne Slot has indicated that while Van Dijk and Alisson are expected to be available for the upcoming matches, the fitness of other defenders Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley remains uncertain. Liverpool is preparing to build on their previous league success with a strengthened squad and a focus on collective support among players, staff, and fans. The club also faces ongoing transfer activity, with some players departing and further new signings anticipated before the window closes.