RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesLiverpool Defender Set To Miss Start Of Season After Preseason Injury
Joe Gomez Injury Blow Leaves Liverpool Short at Centre-Back Ahead of Premier League Start
Liverpool are set to be without Joe Gomez for the opening of the new Premier League season after Andoni Iraola confirmed the defender has suffered a muscle injury during the 4-2 pre-season win over Sunderland.
The issue is not thought to be serious in the long term, but the timeframe is enough to rule Gomez out of the immediate run-in to the campaign. Iraola explained, “It was quite clear since he complained straight away so he will be some weeks off.” He added, “It’s difficult to say, normally one month [out]. If it goes very good, then a little bit less. If it goes bad then a bit more, but it’s a muscle injury. It’s not massive.”
For Liverpool, the concern comes at a delicate point in pre-season. The squad remains in the United States, with Gomez still travelling with the group, but the lack of senior central defensive cover has become increasingly clear. Iraola said, “It will be impossible to have him for the start of the season because we are not so far off, but it shouldn’t be a lot more.”
Liverpool defensive depth under pressure
With Giovanni Leoni also unavailable and Virgil van Dijk absent from the tour, Liverpool have been forced to lean on youth in central defence. That has opened the door for Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, both 18, to gain valuable minutes far earlier than may have been anticipated.
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Iraola underlined the situation, saying, “You’ve seen in these games that we are pretty thin in the centre-back position.” He also highlighted Luke Chambers for stepping in out of position and coping well.
Jeremy Jacquet set for Liverpool debut
There is, however, a more encouraging update in the shape of Jeremy Jacquet. The young defender is now expected to feature against Leeds United in Chicago and could provide timely reinforcement in a stretched area of the squad.
Iraola believes Jacquet is ready, while Van Dijk is expected back soon. For now, Liverpool are managing a shortage at centre-back, but the head coach has taken encouragement from the composure shown by his younger options in pre-season.
That resilience may prove important over the coming weeks, especially with the Premier League start now arriving too soon for Gomez.
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