Gomez suffers an injury in England as Liverpool’s defensive crisis worsens



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The center-back fell during a training session at St George’s Park on Wednesday, fearing the 23-year-old could now face an extended period.

Liverpool’s defensive crisis has deepened after Joe Gomez suffered an injury on international service for England.

The central defender fell during a training session at St George’s Park on Wednesday, fearing the 23-year-old may now face a long period on the sidelines.

“England have announced that Joe Gómez has withdrawn from the squad for their next international matches after suffering a knee injury in training,” confirmed Liverpool.

“The defender will undergo further diagnosis on the matter with our medical team.”

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“I can’t tell you how serious it is as they haven’t had the scans done yet,” England manager Gareth Southgate told reporters.

“There was no one around him when the injury occurred. We all hope it is not what it could be. It is not a good situation. We cannot speculate on the exact nature of the injury.”

Confirmation that Gomez’s injury is serious would be a severe blow to Jurgen Klopp, whose defensive options are already severely limited in this early stage of the season.

Klopp lost Virgil van Dijk, his number one center-back, to a torn ACL last month. Fabinho, who was asked to replace the Dutchman, suffered a hamstring problem a week later and has yet to return to full training.

Trent Alexander-Arnold added to the problems on Sunday by limping out of the Reds’ 1-1 draw at Manchester City with a strained calf. The 21-year-old is likely missing for up to four weeks.

Gomez’s injury leaves Joel Matip as Liverpool’s only available and fit central defender, and the Cameroonian international recently returned after suffering a muscle problem against Everton. You have only completed 90 minutes twice in the last 13 months.

Klopp has been encouraged by the performances of Rhys Williams, 19, and Nat Phillips, 23, as emergency central defense options, and has hinted that he would consider using Captain Jordan Henderson at the rear in an emergency. .

Gini Wijnaldum is another potential option, although Liverpool’s midfield options would naturally suffer as a result. The same goes for Andy Robertson, who has played for Scotland’s central midfielder in the past.

Klopp, like several of his Premier League teammates, has been outspoken in his belief that the authorities must do more to protect players during this unique and demanding season.

On Sunday, he joined Pep Guardiola in criticizing the league’s decision not to allow five substitutes per team this season, a move that all other major European leagues opted for.

“It’s a lack of leadership,” Klopp said at his post-match press conference at Etihad on Sunday. “[Premier League chief executive] Richard Masters sold it completely wrong. Not an advantage [to be able to use five substitutes], it is a necessity. It happens in other countries, it sold completely badly and now you have this situation ”.

Klopp added: “Trent will be out of England, [and] He won’t be the last or the only Gareth [Southgate] will have to deal with anyone. “

Liverpool is next in action for a week on Saturday when they take on league leaders Leicester at Anfield.

Klopp will hope that Fabinho will be available again for that match, although the Brazilian would need to demonstrate his fitness at the new AXA Training Center before being considered, as will midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who has so far been limited to just two appearances since arriving from Bayern Munich.

Thiago suffered a knee injury in the draw against Everton and has yet to resume full training.



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