A Liverpool player has returned home early from the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, dealing a major setback to manager Arne Slot ahead of the new campaign.
The Reds are currently in Hong Kong as part of their pre-season preparations.
They’re scheduled to face AC Milan on Saturday before heading to Japan to take on Yokohama FM next week.
Slot initially named a 29-man squad for the tour, featuring new arrivals Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. Hugo Ekitike later joined the group following his move from Eintracht Frankfurt and appeared to hint at a potential Alexander Isak connection during his unveiling.
Defender Joe Gomez, who was part of the original squad, has now returned to the UK due to injury.
Liverpool confirmed Gomez’s departure in an official statement, citing an Achilles issue.
The club said: “Joe Gomez has departed Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia due to injury, Arne Slot has confirmed.”
The 28-year-old is heading back to Merseyside to begin treatment on the problem at the club’s training facility.
Slot explained: “Joe was with us earlier this week, but he began experiencing some Achilles discomfort. We felt it was best for him to return to England for a proper assessment and rehab, rather than continue with the group under less-than-ideal conditions.
“We’re hopeful he’ll rejoin us soon.”
Gomez made only 17 appearances across all competitions last season, having struggled with injuries.
Liverpool’s Pre-Season Squad:
Original 29-man squad plus Ekitike:
Alisson, Gomez (returned home), 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.
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