Just when things were beginning to take shape in Liverpool’s pre-season tour, defender Joe Gomez has had to make an early exit.
The 28-year-old has flown back to England after picking up an Achilles issue, cutting short his time with the team in Asia.
Manager Arne Slot confirmed the decision, noting that Gomez will now continue his recovery at the AXA Training Centre on Merseyside.
Though the injury isn’t thought to be major, it’s a setback Liverpool certainly didn’t need right now.
Achilles Flare-Up Prompts Medical Caution
According to Slot, Gomez began feeling discomfort in his Achilles earlier in the week while training in Hong Kong.
The coaching staff, along with the medical team, agreed it would be better to remove him from the touring squad and manage his recovery in a more controlled setting back home.
“He was with us earlier in the week,” Slot explained, “but the Achilles pain made us think it was better for him to go back to England.
We want him to return in the best possible condition, and that’s not easy when you’re constantly travelling with the squad.”
A Worrying Pattern After Previous Setbacks
Though Liverpool remain optimistic about Gomez’s condition, there’s understandable concern considering his injury history.
Last season, he managed 17 appearances across all competitions but saw his campaign end early after hobbling off just 11 minutes into an FA Cup tie at Plymouth Argyle in February.
This latest knock comes at a time when Liverpool are already a bit thin in defence, especially after Jarell Quansah’s £35 million move to Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer.
Makeshift Defence Struggles in Milan Defeat
Without Gomez — and with another defender already injured — Liverpool were left scrambling at the back during their match against AC Milan on Saturday.
Slot had to improvise, placing Ryan Gravenberch alongside Virgil van Dijk, and later shifting Kostas Tsimikas into a central role.
Unsurprisingly, the reshuffled backline struggled.
Milan exploited the gaps, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor among those finding the net in a 4–2 win over the Reds.
Slot Stays Calm Despite Defensive Issues
Despite the defensive hiccups, Slot played down any panic.
“I don’t think we have a major concern at centre-back,” he said post-match.
“Ryan did well, even though we prefer him as a number six. Endo can also play there.”
Still, he acknowledged the gap left by Quansah’s departure hasn’t yet been filled.
That might change soon, especially as Liverpool continue to be linked with England and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Real Madrid Watching Konate’s Situation
Another complicating factor is the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate.
The French international captained Liverpool in the second half of the Milan game, but with just a year left on his contract, he’s now reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid.
Liverpool will have to weigh their options carefully if they want to avoid a full-blown defensive crisis before the new season begins.
Florian Wirtz Impresses in Unfamiliar Role
On a brighter note, new signing Florian Wirtz made his first start for the Reds and left fans excited.
The £116 million man from Bayer Leverkusen played as a false nine and showed quick chemistry with Mohamed Salah and young Rio Ngumoha before being subbed off at half-time.
Wirtz is coming off a stellar season in the Bundesliga, where he was named Player of the Year, and his sharpness in attack could give Liverpool an edge this season — especially if the defensive situation gets resolved.
Nunez and Diaz Absent for Different Reasons
Slot’s attacking options were also limited against Milan.
Darwin Nunez missed the game due to injury, while Luis Diaz was left out amid swirling transfer rumours about his future.
Even so, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai managed to get on the scoresheet in front of a packed crowd at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium.
One Last Stop Before Season Kick-Off
Liverpool now head to Japan for the final match of their pre-season campaign, where they’ll take on Yokohama F. Marinos at the Nissan Stadium on Wednesday.
All eyes will be on who gets the nod in defence — and whether reinforcements are brought in soon.
As for Gomez, the hope is that rest and rehab back home will get him fit in time for the season.
But with uncertainty looming over Konate and no replacement yet for Quansah, Slot may soon need more than optimism to shore things up at the back.
