**Andoni Iraola has confirmed Joe Gomez will miss the start of Liverpool’s season.**
Gomez suffered a setback just seven minutes into the maiden summer friendly against Sunderland after pulling up with an apparent knock.
The veteran defender was able to walk off the pitch unaided but Iraola [lamented the blow as ‘probably the worst news’](https://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/66774-andoni-iraola-laments-worst-news-on-liverpool-injury-joe-gomez-jeremy-jacquet/) from the game.
Now the Reds’ head coach expects Gomez to be ruled out of his side’s Premier League opening weekend encounter away to Newcastle United.
However the 29-year-old’s latest absence is not expected to extend much beyond the early weeks of the new top flight campaign.
“Joe has an injury,” said Iraola.
“It was quite clear \[when it happened\]. He is some weeks off.
“I always say one month, maybe less, but it’s impossible to have him for the start of the Premier League season.
“But not so long after that.”