This article is part of Football FanCast’s Injury News series, which considers the impact of the latest updates on players’ fitness.
Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren has confirmed he has a hamstring problem after coming off against RB Salzburg.
What’s the story?
Following Joel Matip’s injury, the Croatia international has stepped into the breach and become Virgil van Dijk’s number one central-defensive partner – he has started each of the last seven matches in the Premier League, and the last two in Europe as well.
However, he went down with a hamstring issue as the Reds were 2-0 up against their Austrian opponents on Tuesday evening. There is no confirmation yet as to how long he will be unavailable for, but it is unlikely we will see him in the next match at least.
Swings and roundabouts for Gomez
It has been a difficult few weeks for Jurgen Klopp at centre-back. First, Matip picked up a problem after he had appeared to establish himself as a regular starter – he has not played since October 27 – and now he has lost the 30-year-old former Southampton man as well.
However, he has not yet run out of options – he still has Joe Gomez available to him. It has not been the best of campaigns for the 22-year-old so far – he has started just eight matches for his club, been booed by the fans of his country, and has even been linked with a move to Arsenal – but this is his perfect opportunity to shine.
There was a time when Gomez was almost a guaranteed started for the 52-year-old boss. He started 21 matches in the Premier League during the 2017/18 season, and he was included in the first XI for 12 of the first 15 matches last term as well. But he was then forced to have ankle surgery, meaning he missed 23 games overall. By the time he returned, his place in the side had been lost.
Can you name the result these iconic Liverpool images belong to? Give it a go now…
Although Klopp is unlikely to see it that way, it is fitting that £31.5m-valued Gomez – as per Transfermarkt – now has a chance to guarantee himself a starting spot once again due to injuries. The former Charlton man has come full circle, and he has now been handed an opportunity to make himself undroppable. It is down to him whether he takes it.
Meanwhile, one Liverpool man adds danger and solidity against RB Salzburg.
