Liverpool receive injury boost as Marco Silva announces serious injury situation at Fulham

Fulham boss Marco Silva says his side is not yet ready for Liverpool's visit to Craven Cottage for the opening game of their respective Premier League campaigns.

The Reds head into the new season with a modicum of momentum after beating Manchester City 3-1 in the Community Shield.

It may not be a real trophy but it should be no surprise that Reds are lauding it over their rivals.

Man City narrowly beat Liverpool to the Premier League title last season and this campaign will be about revenge for Jurgen Klopp and his players.

Both sides have signed quality players as Saturday's win gave Darwin Nunez the chance to get one over Erling Haaland before the season officially starts.

The Uruguayan started the game on the bench but is in contention to start against Fulham next week.

It's a prospect that Cottagers' boss, Marco Silva, seems to be dreading.

Speaking to West London Sport, the 45-year-old said "no" when asked if his side is ready for the start of the season.

He emphasised that each individual is ready to play in the Premier League but also underlined that, as a squad, they're not.

He continued, saying: “These players, they are ready for the Premier League.

“The players that we have right now, I congratulate them for the work they have been doing.

“We, as a squad, we are not ready. These players, they are ready.

“I will tell you one more. No-one can prepare for one season with just two central defenders. We have two central defenders at this level.

“We cannot be five weeks into the pre-season with two central defenders. We can’t be competitive in this situation and I can talk more positions as well but this will not help at all.”

Fulham fans would typically be a bit edgy and nervous at the thought of playing their first game in the Premier League since 2021 against Liverpool.

However, with Klopp's side putting City to the sword a few days ago and Fulham struggling to get their squad into shape, the London club's supporters will be understandably concerned.

With Mohamed Salah looking sharp and ready to start the season on fire, Darwin Nunez proving his critics wrong again and Luis Diaz preparing for his first full season for the club, Liverpool will be hopeful of starting the new season with a win at Craven Cottage.