Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that Joe Gomez has had surgery on his hamstring injury, meaning a lengthy spell on the sidelines awaits him.
Gomez limped out of the 1-0 defeat away to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round earlier this month, on a day that saw him named captain, making his injury even more cruel.
It has been made clear that the 27-year-old isn’t going to be back any time soon, but Slot has now confirmed to reporters that he has undergone surgery, ruling him out of Sunday’s trip to Manchester City and beyond.
“Joe Gomez had a surgery for his hamstring injury, so he’s out for a long time,” Slot said.
“He will be back maybe just before the end of the season.”
Slot also provided an update on Cody Gakpo’s chances of being fit for the crucial City clash on Sunday, admitting that it is too early to know.
“Let’s see. I hope [he will be fit]. I’m not 100 percent sure. He hasn’t trained with the team yet, maybe he does a bit today, I don’t know. It will be a close call,” he added.
Another cruel blow for Gomez
Gomez is such a talented defender on his day, but sadly, injuries have defined his time at Liverpool, having arrived from Charlton Athletic all the way back in 2015.
That makes him the Reds’ longest-serving current player, but the fact that he has been limited to 241 appearances in a decade highlights a lack of availability at times.
Slot does remain hopeful of Gomez playing again this season, though, which bodes well, and Liverpool may well need him during the latter stages of the campaign.
Ibrahima Konate hasn’t been without injury problems of his own throughout his time at Anfield, while relying on Jarell Quansah for a long run of games is a huge ask, given his age.
Gomez has suffered so much bad luck on the fitness front down the years, and is a likeable figure in the squad, so it would be heartwarming to see him return in time to play his part in Liverpool winning the Premier League title, and other trophies for that matter.
