Quick Read
- Joe Gomez received a knee injection last week and has not been fully fit, limiting his training involvement.
- Manager Arne Slot opted for Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back due to Gomez’s fitness concerns and other injuries in the squad.
- Liverpool’s defensive depth is stretched, with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley also sidelined.
- Gomez is in the matchday squad for the PSV clash but is not guaranteed to start.
- Liverpool are planning future defensive reinforcements as contracts for senior defenders expire in 2027.
Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemma: Joe Gomez’s Fitness Under Scrutiny
The narrative heading into Liverpool’s Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven is shaped not only by the club’s recent slump in the Premier League, but also by the fitness concerns surrounding one of their most versatile defenders, Joe Gomez. Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, faces a conundrum: with multiple injuries depleting his backline, can Gomez step up despite his own fitness battles?
It’s been a turbulent month for the Reds. Six defeats in seven Premier League matches have left fans and pundits alike searching for answers. The Champions League, however, offers a ray of hope—Liverpool have collected nine points from twelve and remain well positioned to advance. Yet, as Slot looks to steady the ship, the condition of his defensive options is paramount.
Joe Gomez: Injury Struggles and Selection Uncertainty
Gomez, naturally a centre-back but often deployed at right-back, has been a frequent topic of discussion in recent press conferences. Ahead of the PSV fixture, Slot revealed that Gomez had undergone a knee injection last week—a clear indicator that he’s not operating at full fitness. “He is one of the five defenders we have,” Slot stated, adding, “He had an injection last week in the knee, that’s not normal if you don’t feel anything. Apart from me making the decision to play Dom [Szoboszlai] in that position, it’s also to do with Joe not being completely fit.”
This admission sheds light on Slot’s recent selection choices. Instead of relying on Gomez, who was tipped to start the Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest, Slot opted for Dominik Szoboszlai—a midfielder—at right-back. Szoboszlai’s deployment in defense, while resourceful, underscores Liverpool’s current lack of depth due to injuries. Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Conor Bradley picked up a knock on international duty, ruling him out until mid-December.
Gomez’s involvement in training has also been limited. “He is in the group tomorrow but wasn’t able to train every single day last week,” Slot explained. The manager’s candor hints at the balancing act between risking further injury and plugging gaps in the defense.
The Ripple Effect: Defensive Lineup and Tactical Adjustments
The uncertainty around Gomez’s fitness has forced Slot to rethink his defensive setup. Liverpool’s predicted XI for the PSV match sees Szoboszlai retained at right-back, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk in central defense, and Andy Robertson—who returned to the bench last weekend—likely reclaiming his spot at left-back. This reshuffling means the midfield features Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, and Alexis Mac Allister, while the attacking trio includes Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Cody Gakpo.
With Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns also absent from training, and Giovanni Leoni a long-term absentee, Liverpool’s options are stretched thin. The lack of competition in key defensive positions places additional pressure on those available—Gomez included.
Despite these setbacks, Slot remains pragmatic. “We have five defenders available, and [left-back] is the only position where we have double. In all the other positions Joe Gomez can help us out but there’s no other competition at this moment in time,” he said.
Wider Implications: Future Planning and Squad Depth
Beyond the immediate challenge, Liverpool’s defensive frailties have broader implications. According to Yahoo Sports, the club’s centre-back department is expected to undergo a shakeup in coming seasons, especially as contracts for stalwarts Virgil van Dijk and Gomez expire in 2027. Recruitment efforts are already underway, with Liverpool’s scouts closely monitoring young prospects—such as Joan Martinez from Real Madrid’s academy—as potential future reinforcements.
This proactive approach signals Liverpool’s recognition of the need for reliable, injury-resistant defenders. The club’s current predicament is a stark reminder that even experienced players like Gomez are vulnerable to the rigors of top-flight football.
Slot’s Challenge: Restoring Form and Confidence
For Slot, the immediate focus remains on turning around Liverpool’s domestic form and maintaining momentum in Europe. The manager was blunt about his side’s recent performances: “It is ridiculous. It is unbelievable,” Slot admitted. “You will never find enough excuses for us to perform like this. It’s unexpected for the club, for me, for everyone. But this is maybe the best club to face it—the harder it gets at this club, the more we are together.”
Slot’s words reflect a determination to foster unity and resilience, even as injury woes and selection headaches persist. The PSV match offers an opportunity to reset, both tactically and psychologically.
What’s Next for Joe Gomez?
For Gomez, the coming weeks are pivotal. His fitness will dictate not only his own role but also Liverpool’s defensive stability. With the right-back position in flux and the club’s injury list growing, every training session, every medical update carries weight. Whether Gomez starts against PSV or is used as a late substitute, his presence—or absence—will be felt.
Looking ahead, Liverpool’s management faces tough decisions. Balancing immediate results with long-term squad health is a delicate task. For now, the focus remains on navigating the Champions League group stage and regaining lost momentum domestically.
Assessment: Joe Gomez’s situation epitomizes Liverpool’s current defensive vulnerability. His knee injury and limited training have left Slot with few options, forcing tactical improvisation and exposing the squad’s thin depth. As Liverpool seeks to recover from a dismal run in the league, the fitness and form of experienced defenders like Gomez could well determine whether the Reds find stability or continue to struggle. The next few matches will be a litmus test for both player and club, revealing just how resilient Liverpool’s backline can be under pressure.