Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that centre back Joe Gomez could make his long-awaited return from injury against Porto on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old hasn’t featured since going down with injury in December, but Klopp revealed at his pre match press conference on Tuesday that he might come off the bench against the Portuguese giants.
The England international was an unused substitute for the Champions League quarter final first leg at Anfield.
“Fitness levels are getting better and better and better,” Klopp said, as per journalist David Lynch’s personal Twitter account.
Klopp asked if Gomez is ready for a comeback. Suggests he might not be ready for a start but could come on if needed: "Fitness levels are getting better and better and better."
— David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) April 16, 2019
OPINION
This is excellent news for Liverpool fans everywhere. The youngster was enjoying a phenomenal season alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Reds’ defence until he went down injured. Injuries have been a problem for Gomez in his career and you hope that this isn’t something that’s going to plague him moving forward. The good news is that he seems to be making terrific progress in his comeback. Klopp is taking it easy with him and rightfully so after him being out for four months or so. That’s why he’s not committing to anything here or throwing Gomez straight back into the starting line up. To be fair, he doesn’t need to. Joel Matip has been so good in Gomez’s absence that there’s really no reason to rush Gomez back and risk further injury. The Englishman simply needs to focus on his fitness now, as Klopp says he’s doing, and return when he’s ready.
