Joe Gomez is set to return to training, as Arne Slot weighs up key decisions over Florian Wirtz's fitness and midfield selection for Liverpool's trip to Fulham on Sunday
Paul Gorst Liverpool FC correspondent
18:01, 03 Jan 2026
Florian Wirtz may not feature against Fulham
Florian Wirtz may not feature against Fulham(Image: Getty Images)
While Arne Slot may be grappling with limited options at the moment, the Liverpool manager will undoubtedly be relieved to have Joe Gomez back in the squad for Sunday's match against Fulham.
Gomez was performing well as a right-back before he was sidelined with a muscle problem during the recent win over Brighton. The adaptable and experienced defender has brought much-needed stability to the right-back position, especially when Conor Bradley was frequently absent due to fitness concerns, Jeremie Frimpong was still out of action, and Dominik Szoboszlai was asked to fill in.
Gomez's central defensive instincts also proved beneficial to a struggling Ibrahima Konate in early December, as the Reds embarked on an eight-match unbeaten streak that steadied the ship, albeit leaving doubts about their attacking prowess.
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Following Slot's confirmation that Gomez would return to training on Friday, the defender could be considered for a recall, although Bradley is likely to retain his spot. Frimpong, who has shown promise, is also in contention for a starting position at right full-back.
In a stark contrast to previous months, Slot now has a wealth of choices for that role. The same applies to the left side, where Milos Kerkez is set to challenge Andy Robertson once again for a spot in the starting line-up.
Robertson was on the pitch for the goalless draw with Leeds, but Kerkez might be brought back into the fold for the match at Craven Cottage. Konate will maintain his partnership with captain Virgil van Dijk.
Wirtz is struggling with an injury
Wirtz is struggling with an injury(Image: Getty Images)
In the midfield, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch are vying for a starting position, but will Alexis Mac Allister make a comeback? The 2022 World Cup winner came on as a substitute in the second half against Leeds and hasn't quite lived up to last season's performance halfway through this term.
He's not the only one struggling to hit form, but if Szoboszlai is to take up his usual position on the right wing, then Mac Allister could be due for a return. Much depends on where Frimpong is deployed.
The key question is how Slot will handle Florian Wirtz. The German international had a commendable December, including a crucial role in securing a draw against Sunderland and scoring the winning goal against Wolves.
But following the stalemate with Leeds on New Year's Eve, Slot confirmed there were concerns about a potential hamstring issue.
"Florian only trained once this week because two days after the game, he felt his hamstring still a bit," Slot said. "You try to be as careful as you can without ruining your chances of winning the game as much as you can with the schedule coming up because missing out on another one would be an even bigger problem if that's going to take five, six, or seven weeks or longer."
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Should it be determined that Wirtz shouldn't be risked, then Cody Gakpo stands as the natural replacement on the left flank, but regardless of who fills that position, Hugo Ekitike requires greater support in front of goal.
The France international failed to find the net against Leeds and witnessed none of his teammates step forward to ease the burden.
With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Alexander Isak sidelined with a broken leg, Slot desperately needs every match-winner available at present. A resurgence for Gakpo would be perfectly timed in London.