Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has issued an injury update on Joe Gomez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rhian Brewster ahead of Wednesday’s game against Watford.
Gomez sustained a fracture to his lower leg two months ago and had to undergo surgery as a result, and Klopp has said that after the international break in March, the 21-year-old defender should be fine to make a return.
The Reds manager also said that Oxlade-Chamberlain is taking part in 70 per cent of the training that the team do, whilst Klopp added that it is not important for Brewster to get some minutes this term, and hopes that he will be fit in time for pre-season.
“I think after the international break Joe should be OK. If nobody gets injured before then we’ll have a proper choice. Joe is doing his rehab and looks good, big steps, outside running and all these things,” he said, as quoted by the club’s website.
“Ox is doing 70 per cent of team training. He trains full but not as much as the others. Then he leaves a bit early to do something else and the things he needs. Everyone is always looking for a reaction but nothing has happened yet. We have to prepare him for his entire career, not just one particular game. When he’s in training it looks very nice.
“Rhian looks good but it’s not the same level like Ox yet. He’s running a lot outside, but he was out a long time and he’s a young boy. It would be nice for him to have a minute [this season] but it’s not important.
“I hope Rhian is 100 per cent and completely fine, top shape for the pre-season – that would be my target for him. Whether he will play before the end of the season, I don’t know, we don’t close doors.”
OPINION
Many Liverpool fans – as well as Klopp – are no doubt counting down the days until Gomez is fit enough to return to the centre of the defence alongside Virgil Van Dijk. At the beginning of the season until December, their combination was formidable and arguably one of the best central defensive partnerships in the league. Klopp has obviously had other players to call upon – such as Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip – but they are not the same as having key man Gomez in the back four. The fact he is likely to be back after the international break is great news for everyone, as the Reds will likely be at full strength once again. As for Oxlade-Chamberlain, the fact that he is taking part in 70 per cent of the training is rather promising, as is Klopp being impressed with what he is seeing from him. Hopefully the Liverpool fans will see him in action before the season ends
