Joe Gomez injury: Doctor shares fitness update for Liverpool clash v Plymouth
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is not expected to play the full 90 minutes if he features away at Plymouth in the FA Cup on Sunday, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert claims that Arne Slot will have to manage Gomez’s minutes gradually to ensure he does not suffer another hamstring setback.
Despite him being back in training, the England international seems to be a few weeks away from being ready to play 90 minutes on a consistent basis.
Gomez, 27, has been missing in action since 29 December when he played 37 minutes as the Reds beat West Ham 5-0 at the London Stadium.
Joe Gomez unable to play full 90 minutes for Liverpool
Speaking about this situation, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, told Liverpool News: “We know it’s a hamstring injury and based on the duration, sounds like at least a Grade 2 or 3 injury.
“Gomez is back in training and does seem to be a few weeks away from being ready to play 90 minutes regularly.
“He’s not likely to play his first full game right away as the club will manage his minutes gradually to avoid re-injury.“
Expecting Gomez to play too many minutes this quickly after returning from an injury may not be the right thing to do.
Slot will likely be told by his medical staff to ease the defender in and give him minutes off the bench as he has been out for over a month.
Gomez is an important utility player and the Reds are not stretched in terms of their depth that they need him to return quickly from injury.
Joe Gomez has been a bit-part player this season
The ex-Charlton defender may have played nine league games this season, but just six of them have been starts.
In the Champions League, Slot has handed Gomez just one start and the rest of his three appearances have been off the bench.
It remains to be seen once he returns if the Dutchman is convinced to play him alongside Virgil van Dijk.