Liverpool face huge blow with Joe Gomez's hamstring injury recurrence
What's the story
Liverpool's defender Joe Gomez is set to undergo a surgery after suffering a terrible hamstring injury.
The club's manager Arne Slot confirmed the news on Tuesday. He said the 27-year-old center-back will be missing for "large parts" of the remaining season.
The setback came during Liverpool's FA Cup fourth-round defeat against Plymouth Argyle on February 9, where Gomez was subbed off after just 11 minutes on the field.
Injury history
Gomez's injury recurrence: A significant blow to Liverpool
This isn't the first time Gomez has faced a hamstring issue. He was making his comeback after a six-week break due to a similar problem.
The verdict on whether surgery is required for his current condition is still awaited. But Slot has said that an operation might be required and irrespective of this decision, Gomez's recovery period will be long.
Manager's reaction
Slot expresses disappointment over Gomez's injury
Slot was disappointed over Gomez's injury, calling it a "big blow for Joe and for us." He praised the player's determination to return to the field.
Slot said, "He works really hard to come back and then the first game when he came back after two or three minutes we saw him making a sprint and now he is out for weeks again."
Expected return
Slot hopeful for Gomez's return in final season phase
Despite the setback, Slot is hopeful for Gomez's return during the final phase of the season.
He admitted that this is a challenging time for any player to be sidelined, especially when everyone is anticipating the season's climax.
This news comes as Liverpool prepares to face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Wednesday, hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table by 10 points with a win.
Information
Liverpool aim for a Treble this season
Liverpool gained direct qualification for the R16 in the Champions League after finishing top of the 36-team league phase. They are the favorites to win the Premier League title. Slot's men have also reached the Carabao Cup final.