Joe Gomez
England
Right
May 23, 1997
28
6'2"
176 lb
RB
CB
Driving Centre Back
Option off bench
Gomez (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Brighton.
Analysis: Gomez is available off the bench for Saturday's matchup against the Seagulls after dealing with an issue that ruled him out of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Galatasaray. The defender is cleared to play but is not fit enough to start and is instead limited to a substitute role. He still provides a defensive option if needed during the match.
Doubtful against Brighton
Gomez (undisclosed) couldn't feature during Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Galatasaray and is a doubt for Saturday's clash against Brighton, according to coach Arne Slot. "Joe was on the bench but he wasn't able to come in. We tried to postpone it as far as we could. He already told me before the start of the game he didn't feel good. I said, 'OK, let's wait to half-time [and] a miracle can happen - we might need you in extra-time. He might be available tomorrow but definitely not to start."
Analysis: Gomez has been dealing with an issue that kept him out of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Galatasaray and now leaves him questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Seagulls. The defender will be a late fitness test heading into the game and, even if he's cleared, he's more likely to be limited to a bench role as he isn't expected to be fit enough to start.
Returns to bench
Gomez (undisclosed) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Galatasaray.
Analysis: Gomez is back fit after a slight injury scare after starting unexpectedly during the weekend, once again returning to his spot on the bench. He fully remains a backup option for when injuries occur, a versatile defender who can play on the inside or outside.
Late call for Wednesday
Gomez is dealing with some discomfort after training individually and is now questionable for Wednesday's match against Galatasaray, according to manager Arne Slot. "Joe, we will decide that tomorrow. He wasn't ready to train today, he had too many issues after our last game, although he had these issues already after the Galatasaray game, and wasn't planned to play against Tottenham, but unfortunately, Ibou got discomfort in his hamstring, so we couldn't take the risk of playing him. That's why Joe had to play, and that has built up so much that now he's a bit of a doubt for tomorrow."
Analysis: Gomez had to start his last outing due to an injury with Ibrahim Konate, but has come through with some discomfort, now to be tested ahead of Wednesday's match. This is unlikely to change much if he misses out, with Konate fit once again. However, it will cause a loss of depth, leaving no direct center-back replacements if Gomez is left on the sidelines.
Quiet at right-back
Gomez generated four crosses (zero accurate) and three clearances in Tuesday's 1-0 loss versus Galatasaray.
Analysis: Gomez got the start at right-back on Tuesday and was generally defensive, as usual when he lines up at full-back. The defender's four crosses were pretty disappointing, but he did his defensive duty well. Gomez remain a depth option as a more defensive full-back or a depth center-back.
Fit to start moving forward
Gomez is now fit to start a game after appearing off bench in the last two games, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Yeah, I think he is."
Analysis: Gomez worked his way back from a hip injury over the past few weeks and logged two appearances off the bench to build his match fitness. The defender is now ready to go from the opening whistle, signaling he is back in the mix physically. That said, cracking the starting XI in central defense remains a challenge with the preferred options healthy, and his clearest path to minutes could come at right-back. Even there, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai have been trusted ahead of him during previous injury spells, so Gomez still has ground to make up in the rotation.
Named to bench
Gomez (hip) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Sunderland.
Analysis: Gomez is no longer injured and has passed his testing after he was a late call, with the defender fit from the bench. The English defender remains a rotational pick for the club in the defense due to his versatility, starting in four of his 11 league appearances this campaign.
Late call against Sunderland
Gomez (hip) is expected to resume team training on Tuesday for the first time and is a late fitness call for Wednesday's clash against Sunderland, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Joe has not trained with us yet. I'm expecting him to train with us for the first time. Indeed, if Joe is not ready to start then we are missing four players who have played in that position."
Analysis: Gomez missed the last three matches in all competitions with a hip issue that also kept him out of team training. He is set to return to the training pitch for the first time Tuesday, which leaves him questionable for Wednesday's matchup against Sunderland. Curtis Jones is expected to start at right-back against the Black Cats since Dominik Szoboszlai (suspension), Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) and Conor Bradley (knee) are all sidelined and Gomez will be fit for a bench role at best.
Unlikely against Sunderland
Gomez (hip) is unlikely to be available for Wednesday's clash against Sunderland, coach Arne Slot said in a press conference. "I don't expect Joe to be back as well, but you never know. But then he is back after being out for three weeks, would you play him then? You say no, but you don't have to make the decision - I have to make the decision. Let's see what decision we make. We have other players that can play that position as well. Dom - again - played a very good game in that position but unfortunately he is unavailable for Wednesday."
Analysis: Gomez has missed the last three matches in all competitions with a hip injury and is trending toward a fourth straight absence, as coach Arne Slot does not expect him to be available for Wednesday's clash against the Black Cats. Even if he was cleared, the coach made it clear Gomez would be brought back gradually rather than rushed into action after several weeks on the sidelines. As a result, his continued absence does little to shake up the starting XI.
Missing again
Gomez (hip) is out for Sunday's match against Manchester City.
Analysis: Gomez was close to making the call from a bench spot Sunday but is unable to play yet, with a hip injury still too much. He will now have two games in the next week to try to make his return, hoping to end a three-game absence.
Could be available Sunday
Gomez (hip) could be back available for Sunday's clash against Manchester City, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "With Joe, we have a little bit of hope that he might train Saturday. So, not available to start but maybe available to help the team if needed during the game because, as you already know, there are not that many defenders available at the moment."
Analysis: Gomez missed the last two matches across all competitions due to a hip injury but could push for a return in a bench role during Sunday's clash against Manchester City. The defender is expected to resume training in the coming days and rejoin the match squad as the third choice center-back behind the established pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Not far, remains out
Gomez (undisclosed) is nearing a return from injury but remains out for Saturday's clash against Newcastle, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Joe will not be available but that doesn't have to take much longer anymore but he will not be available for the weekend."
Analysis: Gomez suffered an injury against Bournemouth that will make him miss a second game in a row since Saturday's clash against Newcastle is coming too close for him. The center-back will likely return next week to full training with the aim to be available for the clash against Manchester City. Gomez has been a backup option mainly this season but could see some playing time on the right side of the defense given the injuries.
Unlikely against Newcastle
Gomez (undisclosed) is unlikely to return for Saturday's clash against Newcastle United, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Joe will be tight."
Analysis: Gomez is dealing with an injury he suffered against Bournemouth last week and will likely miss a second game in a row, as Saturday's clash against Newcastle United is expected to come too early for him according to coach Arne Slot. This is a blow for the Reds, since Ibrahima Konate (personal) isn't yet certain to return to the squad against the Magpies, and if both defenders were to miss the clash, it would mean Ryan Gravenberch would have to play out of position again and start alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defense.
Won't play Wednesday
Gomez (undisclosed) is out for Wednesday's match against Qarabag, according to manager Arne Slot. "But I can confirm that he is not available for tomorrow evening. I expect him back in a relatively short time."
Analysis: Gomez was off the field early last contest due to an injury and will now miss some midweek play, with his ankle injury too much to play through. However, the defender is not expected to miss too much time, likely returning in the next week or so. However, with Ibrahima Konate (personal) also out, the club is forced into a tough spot with only one central defender fit, likely forcing Wataru Endoto to start in the defense alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Forced off in first half
Gomez was forced off the field in the 35th minute of Saturday's match against Bournemouth due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Gomez wouldn't make it to halftime Saturday, with the defender needing to exit after a first-half injury. This is a rough loss for the club as they are left without another true central defender in the attack, instead forced to play Waturo Endo in that role. They will now hope for the return of Ibrahima Konate after he was away for some personal issues, as Gomez will now be a doubt moving forward.
Amongst substitutes
Gomez (hamstring) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Fulham.
Analysis: Gomez was back in training this week, and that has led to his return, with the defender fit enough for a bench spot Sunday. He is primarily a backup at right-back and in the defense, set to continue in that spot moving forward.
Set to train Friday
Gomez (hamstring) is set to train Friday and is a late call for Sunday's match against Fulham, according to manager Arne Slot. "I expect Joe to train with us [on Friday]."
Analysis: Gomez is supposed to train this week, potentially allowing his return in Sunday's match against Fulham. However, he will likely still need to go through some testing ahead of the game, with that deciding if he is an option. Even if he is fit, a bench spot is likely where he will sit, with the club nearly having a fully fit defense.
Still without timeline
Gomez (hamstring) will likely miss the upcoming holiday fixtures, according to manager Arne Slot.
Analysis: Gomez injured his hamstring Dec. 13 and that points to a return in mid-January. He hasn't been back on the pitch and Slot hasn't hinted at a quick return, so that means Conor Bradley or Jeremie Frimpong will be splitting most of the right-back minutes with Dominik Szoboszlai a desperate option if needed. Upon return, Gomez will likely revert to his backup role.
Set to miss Spurs match
Gomez (hamstring) is set to miss Saturday's match against Tottenham but is not suffering from a serious injury, according to James Pearce of The Athletic.
Analysis: Gomez is receiving some good and bad news this week after suffering an ankle injury, with the defender avoiding a serious injury but still set to miss a game. Luckily for the club, he was set to return to the bench either way, with Conor Bradley set to return to right-back. A return will then be eyed against Wolves on Dec.27, likely to return to a bench spot when fit.
Suffer injury
Gomez was forced off in the 26th minute of Saturday's match against Brighton after creating an assist, according to James Pearce of The Athletic.
Analysis: Gomez would see a great start to the match Saturday, finding Hugo Ekitike early for an assist. However, Gomez would soon have to leave the field with an injury, only playing 26 minutes before he was replaced by Mohammed Salah. This will leave the club without another right-back option if he were to miss further time, although the good news is Conor Bradley returns next outing, likely to assume the right-back role either way.
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