Joe Gomez is set to sit out the opening fixtures of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign after sustaining a muscle injury, but the setback is not expected to derail the club’s transfer agenda. The defender was forced to leave the field early in the first half of Liverpool’s pre‑season friendly against Sunderland in Nashville when he complained of a muscle problem. New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola declined to give a precise timetable for Gomez’s return, confirming only that the player will not be fit for the match against Newcastle United on August 23, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
"Joe has a muscle injury. It was obvious as soon as he signalled discomfort, so his recovery will depend on how his body reacts," Iraola explained.
"He will be out for a few weeks at least." When pressed for a more concrete estimate, the head coach added: "Muscle injuries are tricky to predict to the exact day, but I usually budget around a month for this type of problem. If his rehab goes exceptionally well the timeline could be trimmed; if not, it could stretch a little longer.
It’s not a severe tear, just a typical muscle strain, so I doubt he’ll be available for the season opener given how close we are to the start. It shouldn’t be a huge delay beyond that." Sky Sports’ Vinny O'Connor weighed in on the situation, noting that Liverpool’s transfer plans remain largely untouched despite the limited defensive options currently at Iraola’s disposal.
The club’s immediate priority is to bolster the attacking flanks rather than to sign a new centre‑back, with reports suggesting a formal approach to Paris Saint‑Germain for the promising winger Bradley Barcola is imminent. Gomez’s injury is viewed as a short‑term issue, and Iraola expects the defender to miss only the first league game against Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk is slated to return from his post‑World Cup break this week and will report directly to Liverpool’s training base in England instead of travelling to the United States for pre‑season duties. Other defensive personnel are also dealing with setbacks. Giovanni Leoni continues his rehabilitation after suffering an ACL rupture early last season, while recent signing Jeremy Jacquet is gearing up for his first pre‑season appearance against Leeds United on Sunday after a lengthy lay‑off caused by a shoulder injury.
Consequently, Liverpool could enter the new campaign with just Van Dijk and Jacquet as the only senior centre‑back options available. Iraola admitted in Thursday’s press conference that the squad is currently thin in the heart of defence, but he expressed confidence in the performances of the young prospects who have stepped up during the pre‑season. Luke Chambers, although traditionally a full‑back, featured admirably at centre‑back, while 18‑year‑old loanees Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye have also been thrust into the role and have shown composure beyond their years. "You have seen the matches – we are quite short in the centre‑back department," he said.
"We still don’t have Virgil back. The only genuine centre‑backs we have right now are Mor and Ify, both 18, newly arrived, and they are doing incredibly well. Luke Chambers also covered the position and performed nicely, even though it isn’t his natural spot. We’ll have to wait until the senior players recover." He added, "I think Jeremy is ready to go and we will recover Virgil soon, but I’m pleased that against Sunderland and Wrexham – solid sides – the youngsters have shown composure and solidity at the back.
That says a lot about their character and the depth we have developing." In related transfer news, Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas reported that PSG is nearing a deal with Monaco for Maghnes Akliouche, with negotiations reportedly in advanced stages. The winger market is beginning to move, with Yan Diomande edging closer to a move to Real Madrid and Liverpool preparing a bid for Barcola. Liverpool have also opened preliminary talks with Monaco regarding Akliouche, but the focus remains on securing Barcola, a move that was first hinted at by Sky Sports earlier in the week. Overall, while Gomez’s absence is a disappointment for fans hoping to see the full defensive line from day one, the injury is unlikely to force Liverpool into a reactive signing spree in defence.
The club appears set to pursue attacking reinforcements, trusting that the young centre‑backs and returning veterans will bridge the gap until Gomez regains full fitness.