Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is confirmed to miss the start of the 2026-27 Premier League season following a muscle injury sustained during the club's pre-season tour in the United States. The 28-year-old was forced off just eight minutes into a friendly match against Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, July 25, a game that Liverpool eventually won 4-2. According to reports from The Athletic, the injury will sideline him for the team's season opener against Newcastle United at St. James' Park on August 23.
Head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed the nature of the setback, noting that the player identified the issue immediately. Iraola stated that while the injury is not considered massive, it will keep Gomez out for several weeks. The manager estimated a recovery period of approximately one month, though he noted that the timeline could fluctuate depending on the progress of his rehabilitation. Iraola admitted it would be impossible to have the defender available for the start of the season given the proximity of the opening fixture.
Gomez, who joined Liverpool from Charlton Athletic in 2015, remains the club's longest-serving player with 274 appearances across all defensive positions. His absence compounds a challenging period for the Reds' defensive depth. The squad has seen significant changes, with Ibrahima Konate departing for Real Madrid as a free agent this summer. Additionally, Virgil van Dijk has only recently returned to training following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Giovanni Leoni continues his recovery from an ACL injury sustained last season. New signing Jeremy Jacquet is also currently working to build up his fitness.
Addressing the current shortage at the back, Iraola highlighted the reliance on younger talent during the pre-season, specifically mentioning 18-year-olds Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye, who have been filling in at centre-back. Full-back Luke Chambers has also been utilized in the heart of the defense during the friendly against Wrexham. Liverpool is scheduled to face Leeds United in their final US-based friendly before returning to Merseyside to conclude their pre-season preparations with matches against AS Monaco and Como.
