Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez faces an extended period on the sidelines as the Reds prepare for their Premier League title challenge. The England international is expected to miss the opening fixtures of the 2024-25 campaign due to a muscular injury sustained during pre-season preparations. Despite this setback, the injury timeline suggests Gomez should return within the first month of competitive action, allowing him to feature in crucial domestic and European fixtures before the campaign reaches its midpoint.

Gomez's absence from Liverpool's early matches arrives at a transitional moment for the club's defensive setup. The 27-year-old has made 226 appearances for the Reds since joining from Charlton Athletic in 2015, establishing himself as a versatile defender capable of operating across the backline. With Virgil van Dijk anchoring the defense and Trent Alexander-Arnold securing the right flank, Liverpool maintains sufficient defensive depth to navigate the opening weeks without significant disruption. The club's recruitment strategy remains unaffected by Gomez's injury, with the focus on strengthening attacking options rather than bolstering the backline.

Liverpool's medical team expects Gomez to resume full training within the next two to three weeks, positioning him for potential involvement in September fixtures. The timeline mitigates the impact on manager Arne Slot's defensive planning, as the squad possesses experienced alternatives in Ibrahima Konaté and loaned defender Joe Scally's absence. This injury development underscores the importance of maintaining squad fitness throughout a demanding 38-game Premier League season, where fixture congestion tests team depth across all positions and competitions.