Liverpool defender Joe Gomez faces time on sidelines with muscle injury

By Amelia Stockwell — 30 July 2026 — 4 min read

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has sustained a muscle injury during the pre-season tour of the USA and is expected to miss the start of the season. Head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed the injury, noting that while it is not a severe issue, it will require a period of recovery.

Gomez was forced to leave the pitch just eight minutes into Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Sunderland in Nashville. Iraola stated that the injury was evident immediately, and while an exact return date is difficult to pinpoint, he anticipates Gomez will be out for some weeks. The head coach suggested a typical muscle injury of this nature often requires around one month for recovery, though this can vary.

Defensive Concerns Emerge

The injury to Joe Gomez has highlighted concerns regarding Liverpool’s defensive depth, particularly in the centre-back position. Iraola acknowledged that the squad is currently “pretty thin” in this area. With Gomez sidelined and Virgil van Dijk beginning pre-season training back in Liverpool following World Cup commitments, the team has had to rely on younger players.

During Liverpool’s match against Wrexham in New York, the centre-back pairing consisted of Luke Chambers and Ifeanyi Ndukwe. Mor Talla Ndiaye also played in this position during the second half of the 1-0 win at Yankee Stadium. Iraola praised the performances of these young players, noting their composure and solidity despite their age and relative inexperience.

Iraola specifically mentioned that Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe are both 18 years old and have only recently joined the club. He also pointed out that Luke Chambers, who is not a natural centre-back, performed very well in the role. The coach expressed satisfaction with how the team has handled playing against strong opponents like Sunderland and Wrexham with such young defenders.

Impact on Pre-Season and Beyond

The absence of key defenders has impacted Liverpool’s pre-season preparations. Giovanni Leoni is also currently sidelined, further limiting Iraola’s options. However, there is some positive news as Jeremy Jacquet is expected to make his debut when Liverpool faces Leeds United in Chicago. Iraola indicated that Jacquet, who was acquired for an initial £55m from Rennes, was rested as a precaution and is now ready to play.

The head coach had previously expressed worry about his “very thin” defensive options. The club’s policy of recruiting young central defenders for the future, such as Mor Talla Ndiaye, a £1m signing from Amitié in Senegal, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, a £2.5m transfer from Austria Vienna, has become more prominent due to the current injury situation. The team will need to manage these challenges as they approach the start of the season.

The match against Sunderland saw Liverpool secure a comfortable win with second-half goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Lewis Koumas. Despite the positive result, the injury to Joe Gomez cast a shadow over the opening of the Andoni Iraola era. Iraola noted that losing Gomez so early in the pre-season was “probably the worst news.”

The pre-season friendly in Nashville, held at Geodis Park, also featured tributes to the late Kevin Keegan. The official attendance for the match was 24,897. Sunderland had their own list of absentees, including Granit Xhaka, Brian Brobbey, and Thomas Meunier. Liverpool’s absentee list included World Cup finalists Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Muñoz, along with Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Ryan Gravenberch, who are set to join the tour the following week. Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Alisson are also scheduled to resume pre-season training on Merseyside next week.

The first goal of the Iraola era for Liverpool was scored by 19-year-old winger Kieran Morrison, who found the net with a finish into Melker Ellborg’s goal after receiving a pass from Harvey Elliott. Sunderland equalised through Enzo Le Fée, and later took the lead with a goal from Timur Tutierov, assisted by Jaydon Jones. However, Szoboszlai, Chiesa, and Koumas secured the win for Liverpool.

The team continues its pre-season tour, with Jeremy Jacquet expected to play in the final match against Leeds United in Chicago.

Source: liverpoolfc.com