Liverpool could have a fully fit squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal after Joe Gomez returned to training on Friday.
The defender hasn’t played since February and Arne Slot admitted two weeks ago that Gomez featuring again this season was in doubt, but the latest images from the AXA Training Centre showed Gomez taking part in the session.
The 27-year-old was seen mixing with the first-team squad as the players arrived, before joining in the gym work, regular warm-ups and game drills. His full return to training suggests Gomez will be an option against Arsenal on Sunday.
However, whether head coach Slot selects him is another matter. Liverpool can only name a 20-man squad and it will be intriguing to see who Slot omits.
Ryan Gravenberch was given last weekend off as the champions played the first of four matches after securing top spot. James McConnell and Trey Nyoni, who have often featured in the squad this season, also missed out.
Gravenberch was spotted at Kirkby on Friday after being given a longer break than the rest of the squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold was also there, although he tended to feature in the background of images and videos rather than any close-ups, perhaps not surprising after this week’s news.
“I think, like everybody who likes Liverpool and is a fan of Liverpool, we are disappointed for him leaving because not only a good human leaving, but a very good full-back is leaving us as well,” Slot said earlier on Friday, speaking for the first time since the news of Alexander-Arnold’s imminent departure was announced.
It’s understood the right-back is available for selection against Arsenal; if Slot chooses to select him is another matter. Opting to drop Alexander-Arnold entirely would certainly send a clear message.
(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“I am not here to tell the fans how they should react,” Slot said about the 26-year-old on Friday, while he confirmed Conor Bradley will start at right-back.
As for Gomez, his return gives Slot an extra option at center-back, along with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah.
Gomez has endured a nightmare year with injuries. He sustained a hamstring issue in the final match of 2024 after a run of six straight league appearances.
The former Charlton Athletic man returned in the FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle on 9 February but lasted just nine minutes before he was replaced.
The hamstring injury eventually required surgery and Gomez’s return to training on Friday was the first indication he is available for selection.
“If his recovery goes well he would be able to maybe [play] in one or two of the last games of the season but he is still not training with us yet,” Slot said two weeks ago.
