In a setback for manager Arne Slot, a key Liverpool player has returned home early from the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.
Liverpool are currently based in Hong Kong as part of their summer preparations.
They are set to face AC Milan on Saturday, before heading to Japan for a friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos next week.
Arne Slot named a 29-man squad for Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia, with new signings Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong among those included.
Hugo Ekitike has also linked up with the squad following his move from Eintracht Frankfurt and appeared to drop a subtle hint regarding Alexander Isak during his unveiling interview.
Joe Gomez was initially part of the travelling group but has since returned to the UK. Liverpool have confirmed that the defender has flown home due to an Achilles injury.
In an official statement, the club said: “Joe Gomez has departed Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia due to injury, Arne Slot has confirmed.”
Gomez will return to Merseyside for treatment on an Achilles injury at Liverpool’s training facility.
Manager Arne Slot addressed the situation, saying:
“Joe was with us earlier in the week, but he’s been dealing with some Achilles discomfort. We felt it was best for him to undergo assessment back in England and begin his recovery under better conditions than continuing with a group that’s constantly training and traveling.”
“So, we made the decision to send him back, but we’re hopeful and optimistic that he’ll rejoin us soon.”
Gomez, now 28, endured a difficult, injury-disrupted campaign last season, managing only 17 appearances in all competitions.
Liverpool’s Pre-Season Squad
Slot originally selected a 29-man squad for the tour, later expanding it to include Hugo Ekitike following his move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Full squad:
Alisson, Gomez (now returned to the UK), Endo, Van Dijk, Konaté, Díaz, Szoboszlai, Núñez, Mac Allister, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Elliott, Tsimikas, Robertson, Gravenberch, Doak, Woodman, Mamardashvili, Kerkez, Wirtz, Frimpong, Pecsi, Ngumoha, Misciur, Morton, Bradley, Stephenson, Nyoni, Ekitike.
