Joe Gomez
LIV
RB (CB)
Ball-Playing Centre Back
May 23, 1997 (29)
Right
6'2"
176 lb
LiverpoolBack in team training
Gomez (muscle) took part in Liverpool's open training session Tuesday, his first involvement with the group since sustaining the injury during preseason, according to Ian Doyle of Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Gomez has been sidelined since picking up a muscle injury during preseason, with the problem initially expected to keep him out for around a month and ultimately ruling him out of the opening league fixtures. The defender has now returned to team training, arriving on the timeline Andoni Iraola had set out and providing Liverpool with some much-needed depth at the back.
Set to return to training next week
Gomez (strain) will be back in team training next week, according to manager Andoni Iraola. "The closest one is Joe. Joe will probably start training with us next week and it has gone normally, the recovery, from a muscle injury, more or less we were expecting the time on this. I hope we can have him before the break, let's say."
Analysis: Gomez had been dealing with a muscle strain suffered in a preseason friendly in Nashville, an injury manager Iraola had previously estimated could keep him out for around a month. His planned return to training next week suggests his recovery is progressing on schedule, giving Liverpool back a natural option in central defense as the club continues its season.
Likely out start of season
Gomez (strain) is expected to miss a few weeks due to his injury, according to manager Andoni Iraola. "Joe has a muscle injury. I think it was quite clear since he complained straight away, so it will depend on how he evolves, but he will be some weeks off. It's a muscle injury, and [with] muscle injuries, it is difficult to say one day, but normally I always put myself as one month. If it goes very good the injury is a little bit less, if [not] it goes a little more. It's not massive, it's a normal muscle injury, [but] I think it's going to be impossible to have him for the start of the season because we are not so far [away]. It shouldn't be a lot more."
Analysis: Gomez suffered an injury in Nashville as Liverpool played in a pre-season friendly, now deemed to be a muscle strain. The unfortunate news for the defender is that he is now facing weeks on the sidelines, and potentially a month, as it seems more than likely he will miss the start of the season. This will lead the Reds to have a bit less depth in defense, more importantly, without their only backup that is a natural central defender. That said, the club is likely to bring someone else in to fix that issue regardless, although they will still hope Gomez can make an unexpected return to begin the campaign.
Forced off after eight minutes
Gomez was forced off after eight minutes of Saturday's 4-2 win over Sunderland in Nashville, according to coach Andoni Iraola, per Liverpool Echo. "Probably the worst news has been straight away the injury of Joe. We were happy because we were going through training without losing any players and unluckily for us we've lost Joe straight away"
Analysis: Gomez had captained the side before his withdrawal, with Ifeanyi Ndukwe coming on as his replacement. The severity of the issue remains unclear at this stage, though the defender was able to walk off the pitch unassisted. Gomez's status will be one to monitor as Liverpool prepare to face Wrexham in New York on July 30.
Back on bench
Gomez (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Gomez returned to the matchday squad after missing the Merseyside Derby against Everton, with coach Arne Slot expressing relief at having him back available following a week in which Liverpool were left with no center-back cover on the bench. The defender figures to provide depth behind the established pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, giving manager Slot more options to manage a busy run of fixtures in the final stretch of the season.
Back available for Palace clash
Gomez (undisclosed) is back avaialble for Saturday's clash against Crystal Palace, according to coach Arne Slot. "Joe, he is back in the squad, so that's really positive because last week I only had two centre-backs that were playing and no-one on the bench so it's really helpful that Joe is back."
Analysis: Gomez missed the Merseyside Derby against Everton but his return to the squad is a welcome boost for Liverpool's defensive depth heading into the weekend. The defender figures to provide cover rather than challenge for an immediate starting role, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate the established center-back pairing, but having him available again gives manager Slot more options to manage a busy run of fixtures in the final stretch of the season.
Back in training
Gomez (undisclosed) is back in training and should be an option for Saturday's game against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Gomez didn't play against Everton in the Merseyside Derby this past weekend, but the veteran defender should be back in the mix to play against the Eagles. However, even if he gets the green light, Gomez will remain as a backup alternative behind the starting center-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Ruled out for Everton derby
Gomez (undisclosed) is ruled out of Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton, according to coach Arne Slot. "No. [he is not fit for Sunday]."
Analysis: Gomez had flagged some discomfort during Tuesday's Champions League loss to PSG after coming off the bench, choosing to be substituted rather than risk aggravating the issue. His absence for the derby is a limited blow given his rotational role this season, with Jeremie Frimpong the established starter at right-back. The club will monitor his condition over the coming days before setting any kind of return timeline.
Subs off with slight discomfort
Gomez left Tuesday's Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain after coming off the bench and was later mentioned by manager Arne Slot, who said "He wasn't injured but I wanted to make a different substitution and then he said to me, 'I'm not convinced if I can keep sprinting. I feel a little bit. So, I think it's better to go off and not to take the risk.'".
Analysis: Gomez suffered an apparently minor physical issue during a short outing Tuesday, although he wasn't in serious pain when he exited the pitch. The versatile defender had replaced Jeremie Frimpong at right-back to start the second half, featuring as a substitute for the second straight match. Gomez is sometimes valuable for passes and defensive production, but his role could continue to be limited even if he avoids an absence, with Frimpong favored in the race for a starting spot.
Option off bench
Gomez (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Brighton.
Analysis: Gomez is available off the bench for Saturday's matchup against the Seagulls after dealing with an issue that ruled him out of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Galatasaray. The defender is cleared to play but is not fit enough to start and is instead limited to a substitute role. He still provides a defensive option if needed during the match.
Doubtful against Brighton
Gomez (undisclosed) couldn't feature during Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Galatasaray and is a doubt for Saturday's clash against Brighton, according to coach Arne Slot. "Joe was on the bench but he wasn't able to come in. We tried to postpone it as far as we could. He already told me before the start of the game he didn't feel good. I said, 'OK, let's wait to half-time [and] a miracle can happen - we might need you in extra-time. He might be available tomorrow but definitely not to start."
Analysis: Gomez has been dealing with an issue that kept him out of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Galatasaray and now leaves him questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Seagulls. The defender will be a late fitness test heading into the game and, even if he's cleared, he's more likely to be limited to a bench role as he isn't expected to be fit enough to start.
Returns to bench
Gomez (undisclosed) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Galatasaray.
Analysis: Gomez is back fit after a slight injury scare after starting unexpectedly during the weekend, once again returning to his spot on the bench. He fully remains a backup option for when injuries occur, a versatile defender who can play on the inside or outside.
Late call for Wednesday
Gomez is dealing with some discomfort after training individually and is now questionable for Wednesday's match against Galatasaray, according to manager Arne Slot. "Joe, we will decide that tomorrow. He wasn't ready to train today, he had too many issues after our last game, although he had these issues already after the Galatasaray game, and wasn't planned to play against Tottenham, but unfortunately, Ibou got discomfort in his hamstring, so we couldn't take the risk of playing him. That's why Joe had to play, and that has built up so much that now he's a bit of a doubt for tomorrow."
Analysis: Gomez had to start his last outing due to an injury with Ibrahim Konate, but has come through with some discomfort, now to be tested ahead of Wednesday's match. This is unlikely to change much if he misses out, with Konate fit once again. However, it will cause a loss of depth, leaving no direct center-back replacements if Gomez is left on the sidelines.
Quiet at right-back
Gomez generated four crosses (zero accurate) and three clearances in Tuesday's 1-0 loss versus Galatasaray.
Analysis: Gomez got the start at right-back on Tuesday and was generally defensive, as usual when he lines up at full-back. The defender's four crosses were pretty disappointing, but he did his defensive duty well. Gomez remain a depth option as a more defensive full-back or a depth center-back.
Fit to start moving forward
Gomez is now fit to start a game after appearing off bench in the last two games, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Yeah, I think he is."
Analysis: Gomez worked his way back from a hip injury over the past few weeks and logged two appearances off the bench to build his match fitness. The defender is now ready to go from the opening whistle, signaling he is back in the mix physically. That said, cracking the starting XI in central defense remains a challenge with the preferred options healthy, and his clearest path to minutes could come at right-back. Even there, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai have been trusted ahead of him during previous injury spells, so Gomez still has ground to make up in the rotation.
Named to bench
Gomez (hip) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Sunderland.
Analysis: Gomez is no longer injured and has passed his testing after he was a late call, with the defender fit from the bench. The English defender remains a rotational pick for the club in the defense due to his versatility, starting in four of his 11 league appearances this campaign.
Late call against Sunderland
Gomez (hip) is expected to resume team training on Tuesday for the first time and is a late fitness call for Wednesday's clash against Sunderland, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Joe has not trained with us yet. I'm expecting him to train with us for the first time. Indeed, if Joe is not ready to start then we are missing four players who have played in that position."
Analysis: Gomez missed the last three matches in all competitions with a hip issue that also kept him out of team training. He is set to return to the training pitch for the first time Tuesday, which leaves him questionable for Wednesday's matchup against Sunderland. Curtis Jones is expected to start at right-back against the Black Cats since Dominik Szoboszlai (suspension), Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) and Conor Bradley (knee) are all sidelined and Gomez will be fit for a bench role at best.
Unlikely against Sunderland
Gomez (hip) is unlikely to be available for Wednesday's clash against Sunderland, coach Arne Slot said in a press conference. "I don't expect Joe to be back as well, but you never know. But then he is back after being out for three weeks, would you play him then? You say no, but you don't have to make the decision - I have to make the decision. Let's see what decision we make. We have other players that can play that position as well. Dom - again - played a very good game in that position but unfortunately he is unavailable for Wednesday."
Analysis: Gomez has missed the last three matches in all competitions with a hip injury and is trending toward a fourth straight absence, as coach Arne Slot does not expect him to be available for Wednesday's clash against the Black Cats. Even if he was cleared, the coach made it clear Gomez would be brought back gradually rather than rushed into action after several weeks on the sidelines. As a result, his continued absence does little to shake up the starting XI.
Missing again
Gomez (hip) is out for Sunday's match against Manchester City.
Analysis: Gomez was close to making the call from a bench spot Sunday but is unable to play yet, with a hip injury still too much. He will now have two games in the next week to try to make his return, hoping to end a three-game absence.
Could be available Sunday
Gomez (hip) could be back available for Sunday's clash against Manchester City, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "With Joe, we have a little bit of hope that he might train Saturday. So, not available to start but maybe available to help the team if needed during the game because, as you already know, there are not that many defenders available at the moment."
Analysis: Gomez missed the last two matches across all competitions due to a hip injury but could push for a return in a bench role during Sunday's clash against Manchester City. The defender is expected to resume training in the coming days and rejoin the match squad as the third choice center-back behind the established pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
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