Blow for Liverpool! Arne Slot confirms Joe Gomez has departed pre-season tour of Asia after suffering Achilles injury

Girona FC v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has prematurely ended his participation in the club’s ongoing pre-season tour of Asia with a discomfort in his Achilles. The 28-year-old was flown back to England for further evaluation following concerns that arose during a training session at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on Thursday.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Achilles problem is the latest in a string of injuries that have hampered Gomez's career. The England international had only recently regained full match fitness after sitting out the final stretch of the previous campaign due to a hamstring issue. This summer was viewed as a crucial period for the centre-back to reclaim his place in the squad, which makes this injury all the more disappointing.

Plymouth Argyle v Liverpool - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Liverpool’s defensive depth is already under scrutiny following the summer departure of Jarell Quansah, who completed a move to Bayer Leverkusen. With Gomez sidelined and no new centre-back signed yet, Slot’s options at the heart of defence have become increasingly limited. At present, the Reds have just two senior central defenders available for selection. This includes captain Virgil van Dijk, who partnered Ryan Gravenberch, a midfielder by trade, in an emergency pairing against AC Milan.

WHAT SLOT SAID

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Slot informed: "He was with us for the first part of the week, but he had some Achilles problems. We thought it was better to assess it back in England and for him to work on him to come back to the team, probably in more ideal circumstances for him than be part of the group that every time goes out. So, we decided to let him go back to England. But we hope and expect to have him back soon.”

DID YOU KNOW?

As Liverpool navigate this challenging period, the club is said to be actively monitoring Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as a potential solution to their defensive concerns. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate is also linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, which has amplified the urgency of bringing in another centre-back, with the start of the 2025–26 season fast approaching.

Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025

WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

After going down 4-2 to Milan on Saturday, Liverpool will be back in action against Yokohama FM on Wednesday in their next pre-season friendly.