Liverpool confirmed this morning that young defender Joe Gomez will undergo surgery on the lower-leg fracture he suffered in The Reds’ 3-1 win at Burnley back in early December.
Initially, the Liverpool medical staff felt Gomez would be fit to return to training in late January. However, the backroom team has now decided that the star defender should undergo surgery on the injury to ensure a more thorough recovery.
Liverpool have conceded 10 goals in the 11 games since Gomez’s injury at Burnley. While this is still a respectable defensive record, the problems at the back have been clear for The Reds in recent games with Crystal Palace and Leicester City, in particular.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Jurgen Klopp said:
“It’s a blow for the boy and for us – because prior to the injury he was in such fantastic shape.
“But he is too valuable to take any risk with, both for our present and future, so we get this procedure done and he comes back when he’s ready.
“His attitude during this rehab has been outstanding but it just hasn’t healed as we’d have liked so we will make this intervention and then he will come back.”
Gomez himself was trying to remain upbeat about the surgery and hopes to be back in action to help his team in what is sure to be an eventful last few months of the season.
“My only focus is getting back for Liverpool as soon as possible and I can promise the supporters I’ll be working hard every day to do that.”
Liverpool travel to play West Ham United at London Stadium tonight where Klopp will have to choose between Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren to partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho are all potential replacements for the also-injured Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
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