Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has resumed full first-team training, handing manager Andoni Iraola a welcome defensive boost ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur. The centre-back has not played a competitive minute this season after picking up a muscle injury during a pre-season friendly in July.
Following a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Fulham at Anfield on Saturday, Iraola will be keen to rotate his squad. Gomez provides vital tactical flexibility for the domestic cup fixture or the upcoming Premier League trip to Bournemouth.
The return of Gomez will be a welcome boost as Iraola looks to rotate in the cup competitions, with Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo look set for lots of minutes in the league and Europe this season.
Tracking Joe Gomez and Hugo Ekitike recovery progress
While the defence receives immediate reinforcements, the attacking department must wait for its long-term absentees. Forward Hugo Ekitike is currently rehabilitating a ruptured Achilles sustained in April. Despite swirling ongoing Liverpool transfer news, the medical staff remain focused on Ekitike’s steady progress. The attacker is projected to return between December and January, having recently posted indoor training footage to social media with the caption “Warm-up.”
Elsewhere in the squad, teenage defender Giovanni Leoni is nearing the end of his year-long recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Ignoring distracting recent transfer rumours, Iraola highlighted the youngster’s imminent integration into the senior setup. Speaking to The Standard, the manager outlined the latest fitness milestones.
“I think the next one probably should be Giovanni Leoni,” Iraola explained to the outlet. He clarified that the teenager needs time to rebuild match fitness, adding, “I think the plan is also to start training during the break, with the group.”
Leoni would also be a welcome addition to squad depth in the defence as Liverpool try to compete across all competitions under their new manager.
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