Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Joe Gomez is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines following a hamstring injury sustained in the opening minutes of Liverpool’s stunning FA Cup loss.

The England international has struggled with injuries throughout his nearly ten-year Liverpool career, missing 265 games due to ankle, Achilles, hamstring, and knee issues.

When fit, Gomez has shown his defensive quality, forming a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk in Liverpool’s title-winning 2019/20 season.

No one wants him to succeed more than Liverpool fans, but with injury-prone Gomez out again and two years left on his contract, should the Reds cash in before it’s too late?

Gomez’s Performances and Injury Struggles

Gomez was once touted as Van Dijk’s long-term successor and a future England regular. However, despite being Liverpool’s longest-serving player since joining from Charlton Athletic in 2015, injuries have prevented him from fulfilling that potential.

Last season, he had one of his best campaigns, featuring in 32 Premier League games—his highest total in a single season for Liverpool. His versatility across the backline was crucial, and he finished with an impressive aerial duel success rate of 75.6%, behind teammate Van Dijk (81.4%).

The 27-year-old’s performances even earned him a recall to the England squad for Euro 2024 after a four-year absence. However, he failed to play a single minute, even when England lacked a natural left-back—despite Gomez playing there 19 times for Liverpool last season.

Another of his strengths is his ball-carrying ability, similar to Van Dijk. Gomez is in the 94th percentile for progressive passes and 95th percentile for progressive carries, often acting as a distributor from the back into the creative midfield players.

Although it isn’t uncommon for Liverpool’s centre-backs to make darting runs into the midfield or play a well-placed long ball, Joel Matip under Klopp was usually the most daring going forward, and Van Dijk still regularly switches play to more advanced players.

When watching Slot’s Liverpool, it’s clear that some players have improved under the Dutchman since his appointment. Ryan Gravenberch looks like he was born to play as a number six, Dominik Szoboszlai has become a pressing machine, and Cody Gakpo is back playing as a free-scoring left-winger. However, Gomez, partially due to his injuries, seems to have stalled in his development.

The talent is there, but unfortunately, 27-year-old Gomez has fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool.

Is There Still a Role for Gomez at Liverpool?

The emergence of Ibrahima Konaté and Jarell Quansah has meant that Gomez’s game time has been limited, even with his injury issues. This season, he has played 17 games in all competitions—just two off his total in the entirety of the 2020-21 season, in which he suffered his long-term knee injury.

Although Quansah is still young and learning, as shown by his half-time substitution in the first game of the season against Ipswich, where he struggled to win his aerial duels, Konaté does look like the real deal.

Konaté looks like Van Dijk’s long-term successor despite his own injury struggles and transfer rumours. He currently leads the Premier League in aerial duels won (78.1%) and would have had a perfect record against Everton if not for a controversial push in the build-up to the equaliser in the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

With Liverpool’s centre-backs regularly winning 70%+ of their aerial duels, Gomez’s key attributes are already well-covered, so where would he move to?

Gomez was linked with Newcastle United last summer when Liverpool pursued Anthony Gordon, with the Magpies needing an alternative to their main target, Marc Guehi. With Lloyd Kelly now departing for Juventus, Newcastle could still be a potential destination. Crystal Palace may also consider Gomez should Guehi finally move on.

However, Liverpool may hesitate to sell if captain Van Dijk does not sign a contract extension, as his future remains uncertain. But if Gomez leaves, who will Liverpool bring in?

Who Could Replace Gomez?

Given that injuries to Konaté and Quansah are also common, a new centre-back should be on Arne Slot’s wishlist.

One potential option is Tottenham’s Micky Van de Ven. The Dutch defender is reportedly a Liverpool fan, and Slot may be keen to add to the club’s Dutch contingent. Van de Ven is in the 90th percentile for progressive carries and passes, thanks to his blistering speed—an attribute that his national team captain, Van Dijk, also excels in.

In fact, last season, Van de Ven registered a rapid 37.38km/h in the Premier League, which is the fastest speed since data started being recorded in 2020.

However, his own injury issues this season and a high price tag from a fellow Premier League side could make this a risky signing.

The Reds have also been linked with Slovakia and Feyenoord defender Dávid Hancko, who Slot managed back in the Netherlands. The 27-year-old is a regular at the back for Feyenoord. This season, he has featured in 21 games in the Eredivisie and all of his side’s Champions League matches.

Signing another experienced international defender, and one who he has won a league title with, might be just what Slot needs to solidify his defence if both Gomez and Van Dijk depart.

Given Gomez’s ability to cover both full-back positions, Liverpool should also be looking at left-back reinforcements, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, and Ajax’s Jorrel Hato all linked. Hato, in particular, offers versatility—capable of playing both left-back and centre-back, making him a potential direct replacement for Gomez.

Is It Time for Liverpool to Sell?

With Gomez set to miss the remainder of the season, his Liverpool future hangs in the balance. While he remains a talented defender, his persistent injuries and his fall down the pecking order make this summer a crossroads for both club and player.

With two years left on his contract, this could be the ideal time to cash in while his reputation as Van Dijk’s best-ever partner still holds weight. The right offer from Newcastle, Crystal Palace, or another club could see him depart.

For now, much depends on Van Dijk’s contract situation, but one thing is certain: Liverpool’s defence is evolving—and Gomez may no longer be part of the long-term plan.

FAQ

Q1: How long will Joe Gomez be out due to injury? A: Gomez is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

Q2: Could Liverpool sell Joe Gomez this summer? A: With two years left on his contract, Liverpool may consider cashing in, especially with younger defenders emerging.

Q3: Who could replace Gomez at Liverpool? A: Potential replacements include Micky Van de Ven, Dávid Hancko, and Jorrel Hato.