Liverpool’s summer plans have taken an early hit after Joe Gomez was sent back home from the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.
The defender has picked up an Achilles problem, and while the Reds are hopeful it’s not serious, it’s another frustrating chapter in the defender’s long injury story.
Head coach Arne Slot confirmed the news just before Liverpool’s game against AC Milan in Hong Kong.
Gomez, who had trained earlier in the week, did not feature in the matchday squad. Instead, he was flown back to Merseyside for treatment and further checks.
“He was, of course, with us for the first part of the week, but he had some Achilles problems,” Slot told Liverpoolfc.com.
“We decided to let him go back to England. But we hope and expect to have him back soon.”
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That “soon” is the keyword Reds fans will be clinging to.
When can Joe Gomez make his injury return for Liverpool?
The 28-year-old’s return date is unclear, but there’s cautious optimism he could recover in time for the start of the new Premier League season.
Still, with Gomez’s history of setbacks, it’s no surprise the club is playing it safe.
Gomez managed just 17 appearances last season and has missed over 270 games in his career due to injury. While his versatility is valued, his reliability remains under the microscope — especially with only two senior center-backs currently fit.
With Jarell Quansah sold to Bayer Leverkusen and Ibrahima Konate’s fitness record not exactly squeaky clean either, Liverpool may be forced back into the transfer market.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is still on the radar, even if all eyes seem to be on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak for now.
It’s a familiar feeling for Liverpool fans — losing defenders before the season even kicks off. If anything, Gomez’s latest knock might just be the nudge Slot needs to strengthen his backline.
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