Agbonlahor digs at Joe Gomez after what he’s seen at Liverpool – ‘serious trouble?’
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Liverpool to survive without defensive talisman Virgil van Dijk and urged Joe Gomez to step up in his absence.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old must justify his international status and new Anfield contract over the next month.
Speaking to club media (6 January), Klopp confirmed the injury to Van Dijk is not “short-term” – and revealed he will be missing for “a few weeks, definitely”.
Ibrahima Konate started alongside Joel Matip in defence during the 2-2 FA Cup draw with Wolves – with Gomez replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the closing stages.
The former Charlton star hasn’t started a match since his League Cup horror show against Man City and Erling Haaland last month.
Gomez signed a new five-year contract last summer (2022) despite making just 11 starts during the 2021-22 season.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Serious trouble? I don’t think they’re in serious trouble without Van Dijk.
“They need to find a partnership and give them a run of games together. Konate, Matip, Gomez – these players need to sort their injury problems out.
“Gomez has got to get back in this side now and show why he got the new contract, and why he was an England starter.
“I’m sure they can last a month without Van Dijk.”
Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League – some seven points adrift of fourth-place Man United.
Gomez was criticised earlier in the season for a series of high-profile defensive gaffes – including a costly backpass against Leeds United.
In other news, pundit suggests Liverpool have held “behind the scenes” talks as new keeper lined up to sign.