Jurgen Klopp has provided an injury update on Joe Gomez, who was substituted during Liverpool’s comeback victory over Southampton on Tuesday, May 17.
The 24-year-old English defender made his eighth Premier League appearance at St. Mary’s, having struggled with injury since joining Liverpool in 2015.
After a clash with a Southampton player, the England defender was taken off the pitch at halftime. Due to the injury, Gomez did not return for the second half and was replaced by club captain Jordan Henderson.
After the final whistle, Klopp was queried about the defender’s fitness, to which he said, “I hope we are lucky.”
“Joey is in pain, although not excessively so, but it was a huge shock to the system.” He was seated in the dressing room, and he was in a good mood when I spoke with him. “I believe we were fortunate.”
Klopp will be aiming to have Gomez available for their last Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday (May 22). The Reds then face Real Madrid in the Champions League final six days later in Paris.
Fabinho hobbled off during his side’s victory over Aston Villa last week, while Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were replaced during the FA Cup final due to different degrees of injuries.
With only one game remaining, the Merseyside team is a point closer to league leaders Manchester City. On the last day of this season’s Premier League campaign, the Citizens will face Aston Villa, who are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
Villa will first face relegation-threatened Burnley on Thursday, May 19, before they will face the table-leaders on Sunday, May 22 at 16:00.
On whether Villa can defeat City, coach Jurgen Klopp said: “Of course, it is unlikely because City play at home against Aston Villa, who play only on Thursday. It will be tough against Burnley, they fight for survival.
“However, this is football.” I believe City won the title (in 2019) because of 11 millimetres. If someone wants us to be champion, we must first win, and Aston Villa must draw with City. “It’s possible; not probable, but possible. That is sufficient. “
“We’re all aware. We never surrendered. We’ll give it a shot because it’s our last home game of the season. The ambiance will be fantastic. We’ll make an effort to use it. We must perform our duties.” Football may be a difficult game at times. Aston Villa is in action on Thursday and Sunday. We’ll see, but you must concentrate on yourself. “
"It's like having Ferraris in the garage!" 🏎️
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 18, 2022
Jurgen Klopp praised the performance of his fringe players in Liverpool's victory at Southampton last night. pic.twitter.com/AAQTwxaTDO