Southgate lifts lid on awkward Klopp conversation over Gomez injury

Joe Gomez

England boss Gareth Southgate has lifted the lid on how Jurgen Klopp responded to the news that Joe Gomez had suffered a serious knee injury.

The Liverpool centre-back damaged a tendon in his left knee while training with England on Wednesday. He has now had a successful procedure to repair the problem.

The Reds have confirmed there was no ligament damage, but did not put a timescale on his return.

A statement on Liverpool’s website read: “The operation to correct the damage, which took place in London on Thursday morning, was a success and the 23-year-old will make a full recovery.

“Gomez will begin a rehabilitation programme with the Reds’ medical team immediately, with club staff carefully monitoring his progress.

“No timescale is being placed upon his return, though the issue is likely to rule him out for a significant part of the remainder of 2020-21.”

Earlier reports stated Gomez fears he could miss the European Champions next summer.

The news is a huge blow to Liverpool, who were already without Virgil van Dijk to an ACL injury.

With Joel Matip and Fabinho also nursing knocks, Gomez’s setback leaves Liverpool seriously light in the centre of defence.

It was left to Southgate to explain to Klopp exactly what had happened with Gomez. The England boss phoned Klopp on Wednesday night.

Asked by ITV Sport how Klopp responded to the news, Southgate was giving little away.

“I had a long chat with Jurgen last night, we’re all worried about player welfare,” Southgate said.

To lose a player in the way we did yesterday – for us and Liverpool, but most importantly for the boy – was really tragic.

 

“I said to him, ‘there needs to be a look at the calendar’. We’ve fortunate in that we’ve got the six subs tonight – and five for the Nations League games. We’ve got to try and lessen the load as much as we can for the players.”

Asked how Klopp reacted and if he accepted what had happened to Gomez, Southgate shifted uncomfortably and appeared to shrug his shoulders.

Indeed, few would blame Klopp given Liverpool’s current predicament.

Contemplating his answer and puffing out his cheeks, Southgate responded: “Unfortunately the injury was so unique in how it happened, we know it was just a consequence of the number of games really.

“Wherever he had been, there is a chance that could have happened. So, we were on the same page. We think the welfare of the players is critical.”

 


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Redknapp fears for Liverpool in transfer market

Liverpool, meanwhile, could find themselves having to pay over the odds for a new centre-half in January with other teams ‘smelling their desperation’.

That’s the verdict of Jamie Redknapp, who feels it is now certain his former side will splash the cash on a new defender.

“It’s a difficult one. I’ve heard people say that they’ve got to go out and get a really big signing because Virgil is going to be injured,” he said.

“You don’t want to bring in someone for the sake of it for £40m or £50m. More so when you know you’ve got someone coming back really quickly.

“But if you’ve lost Gomez as well, you’re certainly looking to get into the market. They may try and bring in someone in January.

“Be it a loan, be it a signing – but it’s not going to be easy to get players in.

“Your hands are tied to a certain extent because straight away. Everyone knows you’re desperate so the prices are going to get inflated.”

 

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