Joe Gomez Injury Setback Leaves Liverpool Short on Defensive Options
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez faces an extended spell on the sidelines after limping off just 11 minutes into his return match against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup on February 9. The 27-year-old had only just returned from a six-week layoff with a similar issue, making his latest setback a major concern for the club.
Manager Arne Slot Confirms Lengthy Absence
Manager Arne Slot has indicated that Gomez is likely to miss most of the season, and while a decision on surgery has yet to be made, it remains a viable option.
“It’s unfortunate for Joe and the team. He worked hard to get back, and after just a few minutes, he was already performing at a high level. Losing any player this late in the season is a big challenge,” Slot said.
Despite the uncertainty regarding surgery, the Dutch manager confirmed that Gomez will be out for a significant period, regardless of the final medical decision.
Liverpool’s Defensive Concerns
With Gomez sidelined, Liverpool’s central defensive options are now limited to Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and emerging talent Jarell Quansah. Given the intensity of the Premier League title race, the squad’s depth will be tested in the coming weeks.
Gomez’s injury is yet another frustrating blow in a difficult season for the England international, who has made just 10 starts across all competitions, a stark contrast to his 51 appearances last season.
Hope for a Late-Season Return?
Despite the setback, Slot remains cautiously optimistic about a potential return before the season ends. “We expect him to be back in the final phase of the campaign,” he said.
In the meantime, Liverpool will be focusing on their upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Wednesday, where a win would allow them to retain their position at the top of the table. However, Cody Gakpo remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from injury.
