Liverpool have suffered a major injury setback, with defender Joe Gomez facing an extended spell on the sidelines after aggravating a hamstring issue.
The 27-year-old lasted just 11 minutes in his return match against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup on February 9—his first appearance after a six-week absence due to a similar injury.
Manager Arne Slot has suggested that Gomez is likely to miss most of the season, and surgery remains a possibility.
“It’s a tough blow for both Joe and the team,” Slot admitted. “He worked hard to get back to full fitness, and just minutes into his return, he was performing well before suffering this setback. It’s a difficult challenge for any player, especially at this stage of the season.”
Liverpool has yet to decide whether Gomez will require surgery, but Slot emphasized that it remains an option.
“We’re still assessing the situation, but regardless of whether he undergoes surgery, he’ll be out for a significant period,” the Dutch coach explained.
Gomez’s injury leaves Liverpool with limited options in central defense, with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and young prospect Jarell Quansah as the only senior center-backs available.
The England international has endured a frustrating season, making just 10 starts across all competitions— a stark contrast to his 51 appearances last term.
Despite the setback, Slot remains hopeful that Gomez could return before the season ends. “We expect him back in the final stretch of the campaign,” he said, offering a glimmer of optimism.
Meanwhile, Liverpool is preparing for a crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Wednesday, where a win would help them maintain their position at the top of the table.
However, they will also be without forward Cody Gakpo, who is still recovering from injury but is expected to return soon.
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