Liverpool will buy a centre-back after Joe Gomez suffers new setback22:30, 14 JUL 2016
BY JAMES PEARCE
Young defender's hopes of a comeback have been dashed
Liverpool will enter the transfer market to sign a new centre-back after Joe Gomez suffered a crushing injury setback. Manager Jurgen Klopp is facing a major defensive headache after the England Under-21 international’s hopes of a comeback this pre-season were shelved.
Gomez, who was close to returning to full training after nine months out due to surgery on a ruptured cruciate ligament, has damaged his Achilles tendon. The 19-year-old defender looks set to miss the start of the new season - with the Reds waiting to discover the full extent of the injury. It’s a devastating blow for Gomez, who joined the Reds from Charlton Athletic for an initial fee of £3.5million a year ago.
He quickly established himself and made seven appearances before an injury suffered on international duty cruelly wrecked his campaign shortly after Klopp’s appointment.
He worked tiressly on his rehabilitation with the club’s medical and sports science staff at Melwood over the summer in an attempt to ensure he would be ready to play a part in pre-season.
Klopp’s centre-back options have been severely depleted with Kolo Toure being released and Martin Skrtel completing a £5.5million move to Fenerbahce. With the extended absence of both Sakho and Gomez, Klopp has just two fit senior centre-backs in Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren. Andre Wisdom and Tiago Ilori can provide cover but both face uncertain futures at Anfield. Ilori isn’t an option for the start of the season as he will be away with Portugal at the Olympics. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-buy-centre-back-after-11616470
