Joe Gomez set for extended spell out of Liverpool XI amid ‘huge’ verdict – Robinson
Paul Robinson has claimed Joe Gomez will struggle to get back into the Liverpool starting XI following Joel Matip’s return from injury.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said Gomez, 25, was “really poor” against Napoli on Wednesday night (7 September).
Gomez produced a mistake-laden performance in a 4-1 defeat at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
The centre-half was replaced by Matip at half-time.
Matip has missed the majority of the 2022-23 campaign to date with a groin problem.
The ex-Schalke defender made his return to action as a substitute in a goalless draw at Goodison Park on 3 September.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on the centre-back situation at Anfield, Robinson said: “Gomez was really poor against Napoli.
“It is a huge season for him this year. I questioned why he signed the new contract given that he did not play so many games last season.
“He has been given an opportunity because of injuries and he has not taken it.
“He is a quality player and alongside [Virgil] van Dijk I thought he would thrive. I thought they’d reignite their partnership. I even thought Gomez might be able to sneak into the World Cup squad.
“But with Matip back fit he would struggle to get back into the side. He has not taken his opportunity.
“I think Klopp will want the stability of Matip and Van Dijk at the back.”
In other news, Liverpool told ‘root and branch review’ needed by ex-official as major Premier League news confirmed.