Gomez facing extended spell out of Liverpool side despite Klopp’s ‘brilliant’ reveal – pundit
Joe Gomez will “struggle” to reclaim a place in the Liverpool side despite stepping up his recovery from injury, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 24-year-old may be forced to sit on the sidelines with manager Jurgen Klopp likely reluctant to tinker with his rearguard.
Klopp, speaking at his press conference (3 December) before Liverpool take on Wolves today (4 December), revealed that Gomez has “looked brilliant” in his return to training at the club’s Kirkby base.
The German confirmed the defender will not play any part during the game at Molineux but could be in contention for Tuesday’s (7 December) trip to Milan in the Champions League.
However, Whelan insisted the England international faces an uphill battle to get ahead of his colleagues in the pecking order.
“He’s going to struggle, there’s no doubt about that,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“When you have a winning side and it’s flowing nicely, as Liverpool are right now, you’re not going to change that too often.
“The two centre-halves are looking really solid, and the whole backline is looking solid.
“They work hard, they get forward. Ibrahima Konate has been a driving force in that alongside Virgil van Dijk. Joel Matip has stepped up to the plate when needed.
“Those players will not be wanting to let Gomez earn his way back into the side.
“It can only be a good thing to get players back from injury and have even more competition in the side.”
Matip, Van Dijk, and Konate have all contributed stellar performances with Liverpool boasting the third-best defence in the top flight.
The Anfield club have conceded just 12 goals across 14 league games this season.
In other news, La Liga experts sheds light on Liverpool target following ESPN report.