Joe Gomez is set to miss the opening fixtures of Liverpool's Premier League campaign after sustaining a muscle injury, but the setback is unlikely to derail the club's broader transfer agenda. The Liverpool defender was forced to leave the field early in the first half of a pre‑season friendly against Sunderland in Nashville when he complained of a muscle problem. New manager Andoni Iraola declined to give a precise timetable for Gomez's return, confirming only that the player will not be fit for the upcoming clash with Newcastle United on August 23, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. "Joe has a muscle injury.
It was obvious from the moment he complained, so his recovery will depend on how his rehab progresses, but he will be out for a few weeks," Iraola explained. When pressed for a more detailed estimate, the coach added, "Muscle injuries are tricky to predict.
In my experience I usually allow about a month. If his healing goes exceptionally well the timeframe could be a little shorter; if not, it might stretch a bit longer. It's not a severe tear, just a standard muscle strain, but I doubt he'll be available for the season opener given the short turnaround.
It shouldn't be much longer than that." Sky Sports highlighted that, despite Gomez's absence, Liverpool's transfer plans remain largely unchanged. The club's current priority is to add a dynamic wide forward rather than a central defender.
Reports suggest Liverpool are preparing a formal approach to Paris Saint‑Germain for the services of young French winger Bradley Barcola. In this context, Gomez's injury is viewed as a short‑term issue, with the expectation that he will miss only the first game against Newcastle before rejoining the squad. Virgil van Dijk, who is returning from his post‑World Cup break, will report to Liverpool's training base in England rather than travelling to the United States for the pre‑season tour. Meanwhile, other defensive options are limited.
Giovanni Leoni is still in rehabilitation after tearing his ACL early last season, and new signing Jeremy Jacquet is only just returning from a shoulder problem and is set to feature in the next pre‑season match against Leeds United. Given these circumstances, Liverpool could realistically start the new campaign with only Van Dijk and Jacquet as senior centre‑back choices. Iraola acknowledged in Thursday's press conference that the squad is thin at the back but expressed confidence in the youngsters who have stepped up during pre‑season.
He praised the performances of 18‑year‑old prospects Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye, noting that they have handled the pressure well despite their inexperience. "You have seen these games – we are pretty thin in the centre‑back department," Iraola said.
"We still don't have Virgil fully fit. The only real centre‑backs we have right now are Mor and Ife, both 18, newly arrived, and they are doing incredibly well. Luke Chambers even filled in, despite not being a natural centre‑back, and performed admirably.
We just need to wait for our senior players to recover. Jeremy is ready, and we will have Virgil soon. The fact that we held our own against Sunderland and Wrexham with such a youthful defensive line shows great composure and solidity, which bodes well for the future." In related transfer news, PSG are nearing a deal with Monaco for Maghnes Akliouche, and negotiations are reportedly in advanced stages. The winger market is heating up, with Yan Diomande edging closer to a move to Real Madrid, while Liverpool are preparing a bid for Barcola.
Liverpool have also made initial contact with Monaco regarding Akliouche, but the Barcola pursuit appears to be the priority after Sky Sports broke the story earlier in the week. Overall, while Gomez's injury is an unfortunate blow for the start of the season, it is not expected to cause a major shift in Liverpool's transfer strategy. The club remains focused on bolstering its attacking options on the flanks, and the defensive depth issue is being mitigated by the return of Van Dijk and the integration of young talents who have shown promise during the pre‑season fixtures. The next few weeks will be crucial for monitoring Gomez's rehabilitation progress and for finalising the club's summer signings ahead of the Premier League kickoff.