Liverpool defender Joe Gomez returns to action after year out in 5-0 friendly win
Joe Gomez played in Liverpool's 5-0 defeat of Accrington Stanley on Sunday CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
13 NOVEMBER 2016 • 4:00PM
Liverpool youngster Joe Gomez’s injury nightmare is finally over after he made his playing return following a year of rehabilitation.
Gomez, who suffered a cruciate knee injury in October last year, featured for 45 minutes as a strong Liverpool team played a behind closed doors friendly against Accrington Stanley on Merseyside today.
Gomez has not played for Liverpool since Jürgen Klopp arrived at Anfield 13 months agoCREDIT: EPA
It is the first game of any kind the 19-year-old has played since Jürgen Klopp became Liverpool’s manager. Gomez was injured on international duty in the same week Klopp was confirmed in his post 13 months ago.
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His second-half appearance at Melwood against the League Two side – a game Liverpool won 5-0 – was therefore the most significant step yet in his recovery.
He was not the only senior player involved as Klopp took the opportunity to keep his players fresh in the absence of Premier League football.
James Milner, Emre Can, Joel Matip, Lucas Leiva, Alberto Moreno and goalkeeper Loris Karius also played in the match. Teenager Rhian Brewster struck a hat-trick, with another youngster Harry Wilson among the scorers. Can also scored in the game.
Gomez will now be working his way to full match fitness in the hope of presenting Klopp with further defensive options.
The versatile defender suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage during England’s Under 21 international win over Kazakhstan 13 months ago.
It was a devastating setback for the youngster who had shone since moving to Liverpool from Charlton for £3.5 million during the summer of 2015. He made such an instant impression he began last season as the first choice left back.
Speaking before the latest international break, Klopp said care would be taken not to rush Gomez back into the first team.
“He looks really good at the moment, but it is a long way – he was injured for a long time and now it is a long way back, so there is no rush in it.,” said Klopp.
“He is still a young boy so we can give him time to come back in the right moment.”
Excellent news this. Very high hopes for the lad.
Brewster with a hattrick aswell. Him and Woodburn are two attacking talents that could really develop into something great.
Joe Gomez played in Liverpool's 5-0 defeat of Accrington Stanley on Sunday CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
13 NOVEMBER 2016 • 4:00PM
Liverpool youngster Joe Gomez’s injury nightmare is finally over after he made his playing return following a year of rehabilitation.
Gomez, who suffered a cruciate knee injury in October last year, featured for 45 minutes as a strong Liverpool team played a behind closed doors friendly against Accrington Stanley on Merseyside today.
Gomez has not played for Liverpool since Jürgen Klopp arrived at Anfield 13 months agoCREDIT: EPA
It is the first game of any kind the 19-year-old has played since Jürgen Klopp became Liverpool’s manager. Gomez was injured on international duty in the same week Klopp was confirmed in his post 13 months ago.
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His second-half appearance at Melwood against the League Two side – a game Liverpool won 5-0 – was therefore the most significant step yet in his recovery.
He was not the only senior player involved as Klopp took the opportunity to keep his players fresh in the absence of Premier League football.
James Milner, Emre Can, Joel Matip, Lucas Leiva, Alberto Moreno and goalkeeper Loris Karius also played in the match. Teenager Rhian Brewster struck a hat-trick, with another youngster Harry Wilson among the scorers. Can also scored in the game.
Gomez will now be working his way to full match fitness in the hope of presenting Klopp with further defensive options.
The versatile defender suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage during England’s Under 21 international win over Kazakhstan 13 months ago.
It was a devastating setback for the youngster who had shone since moving to Liverpool from Charlton for £3.5 million during the summer of 2015. He made such an instant impression he began last season as the first choice left back.
Speaking before the latest international break, Klopp said care would be taken not to rush Gomez back into the first team.
“He looks really good at the moment, but it is a long way – he was injured for a long time and now it is a long way back, so there is no rush in it.,” said Klopp.
“He is still a young boy so we can give him time to come back in the right moment.”
Excellent news this. Very high hopes for the lad.
Brewster with a hattrick aswell. Him and Woodburn are two attacking talents that could really develop into something great.
