Liverpool F.C. Will start the 2026/27 Premier League season without Joe Gomez after the defender suffered a muscle injury in pre-season. Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed Gomez will miss the opener against Newcastle on August 23, but the club’s transfer plans remain unchanged.
Gomez was forced off early in Liverpool’s friendly against Sunderland last weekend due to a muscle problem. Iraola ruled him out of the Newcastle match, stating, "It’s a muscle injury. Normally I put myself as one month. It’s not massive, but he will be some weeks off." The Reds finished 5th last season with 60 points (17W-9D-12L), scoring 63 goals and conceding 53.
Why it matters for Liverpool F.C.
With Virgil van Dijk still on post-World Cup break and Giovanni Leoni recovering from an ACL injury, Liverpool are thin at centre-back. New signing Jeremy Jacquet is also easing back from a shoulder problem, leaving Iraola with limited options. However, youngsters Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, and Mor Talla Ndiaye have impressed in pre-season.
Despite the injury, Liverpool’s priority remains signing a wide forward, with PSG’s Bradley Barcola a target. Iraola remains optimistic about Gomez’s recovery, saying, "It shouldn’t be a lot more" than a month. The Reds face Newcastle in their season opener, live on Sky Sports.
