IRAOLA DESCRIBES GOMEZ INJURY AS ‘WORST NEWS’ AFTER LIVERPOOL VICTORY
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola described Joe Gomez’s injury as the biggest disappointment after his side opened their pre-season campaign with a 4-2 victory over Sunderland on Saturday.
Iraola, who was taking charge of his first match since replacing the sacked Arne Slot following his move from Bournemouth, watched Liverpool begin their United States tour in Nashville with goals from Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas.
However, the victory was overshadowed by Gomez’s early injury after the defender, who started as captain at centre-back, was forced off just eight minutes into the match.
The setback further depleted Liverpool’s defensive options, with new signing Jeremy Jacquet still being carefully managed after recovering from a shoulder injury, while Giovanni Leoni continues his rehabilitation from a long-term layoff.
Earlier this week, Iraola admitted his squad was short of defensive cover, and he reiterated those concerns after the match.
“The worst news was Joe’s injury,” the Spaniard said.
“We had gone through training without losing any players, but unfortunately we’ve lost Joe straight away.”
On Jacquet’s condition, Iraola said the club would not rush the defender back into action.
“He has been out for several months with a shoulder injury, so we’re taking things slowly. He will probably feature in the final game of the US tour.”
Despite the injury setback, Iraola said the friendly victory provides a solid platform as Liverpool continue their preparations for the new season.
“There are plenty of things to improve. It was only our first game and the players looked a little heavy after training, so we lacked freshness. But it’s a good starting point,” he said.
Liverpool will continue their US tour with friendlies against Wrexham in New York and Leeds United in Chicago.
The manager also confirmed that Virgil van Dijk has been granted additional time off following the Netherlands’ FIFA World Cup campaign.
Meanwhile, Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch have arrived in Chicago after their post-World Cup breaks and are expected to rejoin the squad soon.
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