Liverpool could be about to receive a huge boost at exactly the right time.
Joe Gomez is nearing his return to full training and could be involved against Fulham — or even earlier.
And with the transfer window now closed, his return could be just as important as any signing Liverpool could have made.
Gomez is nearly back
The latest update is extremely encouraging.
Joe Gomez is nearing his return to full training.
There is even a possibility that he could be involved for Fulham or before.
That doesn’t necessarily mean he will walk straight back into the starting XI.
Liverpool will need to manage his return carefully after his injury.
But simply having Gomez available again would give Andoni Iraola another hugely experienced option.
And Liverpool need that.
His versatility could be massive
One of the biggest strengths Gomez brings is his ability to play in multiple positions.
Centre-back.
Right-back.
And, when required, left-back.
That versatility could prove invaluable over the course of the season.
Liverpool didn’t sign another specialist right-back before the transfer window closed.
They also have defensive concerns to manage.
So having Gomez back could almost feel like a new signing.
And perhaps an extremely important one.
Look at Liverpool’s defensive situation
Liverpool have already experienced some difficult moments defensively this season.
Jeremie Frimpong has had a mixed start.
Milos Kerkez is still adapting.
Conor Bradley has been dealing with injury.
And Liverpool have a huge number of games ahead.
That’s why Gomez returning is such good news.
He gives Iraola another experienced player who understands the demands of Premier League football.
More importantly, he understands Liverpool.
Iraola could have another tactical option
This is where Gomez becomes particularly interesting.
Iraola wants his team to be aggressive.
He wants his defenders to contribute when Liverpool have possession.
But there also has to be balance.
And Gomez can offer something different.
He can provide defensive security.
He can cover for an attacking full-back.
He can move into different positions depending on the situation.
And he gives Iraola another player who can adapt during a match.
That could be extremely valuable.
Liverpool chose not to sign another defender
There was plenty of speculation late in the transfer window about Liverpool potentially bringing in another right-back.
Malo Gusto was one name discussed.
But ultimately, no permanent right-back arrived.
Now we know Gomez is getting closer to a return.
That could have played a part in Liverpool’s thinking.
Why spend heavily on another player when one of your most versatile defenders is approaching a return?
Of course, we don’t know exactly how Liverpool viewed the situation internally.
But from the outside, the timing certainly makes sense.
Gomez has been through a lot
It’s also worth remembering just how long Gomez has been part of Liverpool’s story.
He’s been at the club since 2015.
He’s played in title-winning teams.
He’s lifted the Champions League.
He’s experienced some of the biggest nights in Liverpool’s modern history.
And he’s had to fight through difficult injury problems along the way.
Whenever he has returned, supporters have appreciated what he brings.
He’s not always the first name on the teamsheet.
But he’s the sort of player you appreciate when he’s unavailable.
Could this be a big season for Gomez?
I think it could be.
Gomez has an opportunity to become extremely important under Iraola.
Not necessarily because he starts every week.
But because he could become the defender Iraola turns to when he needs reliability and flexibility.
If Liverpool are playing twice a week, rotation becomes essential.
If someone gets injured, Gomez can fill in.
If Iraola wants a more defensive full-back, Gomez can potentially provide it.
If Liverpool need another centre-back, he’s available.
That’s incredibly valuable.
The timing couldn’t be better
Liverpool have just closed the transfer window.
There are no more opportunities to strengthen the squad until January.
That means the players already at Anfield are going to have to deliver.
And Gomez returning could make a significant difference.
It’s easy to look at Liverpool’s squad and focus on the players they’ve bought.
Barcola.
Muñoz.
Araújo.
Jacquet.
But sometimes the most important boost comes from getting an existing player back.
Joe Gomez could be that player.
My verdict
I’m really encouraged by this update.
Liverpool still have defensive issues that need addressing.
I’m not suddenly going to pretend everything is perfect.
But getting Joe Gomez back into full training would be a massive boost.
He’s experienced.
He’s versatile.
He knows the club.
And he gives Iraola another option at a time when Liverpool need squad depth more than ever.
If he can return fully fit and stay fit, he could become one of the most useful players in this Liverpool squad.
And if he can make the squad for Fulham — or even earlier — that would be fantastic news.
Joe Gomez is nearly back.
And Liverpool could really do with him.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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