Liverpool pre‑season injury blow sidelines defender Joe Gomez

Liverpool’s first pre‑season friendly of the 2026‑27 campaign against Sunderland in Nashville ended early for the Reds when long‑serving centre‑back Joe Gomez was forced off after only eight minutes with an undisclosed injury. Coach Andoni Iraola called the incident “the worst news” of the tour, noting the club had been hoping to avoid any early setbacks. Gomez, who was captain for the match, was replaced by 18‑year‑old Ifeanyi Ndukwe, while Kostas Tsimikas took the armband.

The injury adds to a growing defensive crisis. New signing Jeremy Jacquet, signed for £60 million from Rennes, was left out of the squad as a precaution following a shoulder injury sustained earlier in the season. Virgil van Dijk remains unavailable after the World Cup, Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from an ACL rupture, and former defender Ibrahima Konaté has already departed. Iraola warned the club may need to enter the transfer market for another centre‑back ahead of the Premier League season.

Liverpool’s win 4‑2 over Sunderland highlights the limited options at the back and underscores the urgency of bolstering the defence before the league begins.