Liverpool 0-0 Leeds: Match Review
Liverpool injury news on Wataru Endo and Joe Gomez ahead of the Premier League clash against Fulham.
Liverpool are hopeful that Joe Gomez will be back in the squad for the trip to Fulham on Sunday.
The defender has missed the Reds’ past three games after suffering a muscle injury during a 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on 13 December. Gomez was forced off in the first half against the Seagulls, although his setback was not as serious as some may have feared when withdrawn.
Liverpool have been short of senior players, with the inexperienced Trey Nyoni, Wellity Lucky and Calvin Ramsay all on the bench for the 0-0 draw against Leeds United on New Year’s Day. But Gomez is due to return to training ahead of the game.
But Wataru Endo will remain sidelined with an ankle injury while Alexander Isak (broken leg), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Mo Salah (AFCON), Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns (both muscle) are unavailable. Slot also admitted he had to take off Florian Wirtz against Leeds to manage his minutes, having had a hamstring problem.
What’s been said
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Reds boss Slot said: “I expect Joe to train with us tomorrow (Friday) and Wata, not yet. Again, I think to say we had four players on the bench who haven't played any minutes in the Premier League and these players just keep going with so many players to go.
“If anyone was like: 'Hmm, why does he take Florian off, for example?' Two days after the game, he felt his hamstring still too much. That's why he couldn't train and only trained yesterday. With all the games coming up, it was too much of a risk if you don't have so many players available with Premier League experience and, of course, Cody is a good replacement to bring him in.
“There are all the things we have to take into account, players available with at least some Premier League experience for the schedule we are going in. We have already had two months of non-stop playing football and most of them, six or seven months non-stop playing football. So everyone stayed fit, positive, a clean sheet. If I have to take something positive, it's those two and Ibou didn't get a yellow, so is not suspended.”
Endo latest
Endo has been on the treatment table since picking up his problem in a 3-3 draw at Leeds United at the start of December. Speaking to LFCTV, Slot revealed that only Gomez is the only player close to a return to fitness. “The good thing was Cody Gakpo was back after an injury so I could still make a few substitutions still and these players have to do it in the upcoming weeks or months because apart from Joe Gomez, I don't see a player coming back soon,” added the Reds chief.
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