Joe Gomez’s half-time substitution in Liverpool’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham was pre-planned, Andoni Iraola has confirmed, putting any fears of a fresh injury to bed.
The 29-year-old made his first appearance of the season after missing the opening weeks with a pre-season injury. He started at centre-back and captained a much-changed side before being replaced by Jeremy Jacquet at the interval.
Iraola said the intention had always been to limit Gomez to roughly 45 minutes on his return.
“Yes. Joe has been doing the recovery process very well and with him it made sense,” the head coach explained. “It wasn’t set but the plan was not a lot more than 45, yes.”
Gomez produced a steady, no-nonsense display. He made four clearances, two blocks and one interception (Sofascore) while keeping things simple at the back. Liverpool Echo writer Ian Doyle rated him 6/10.
With a congested fixture list ahead after the international break, the solid 45 minutes represent useful minutes in the bank. Gomez is expected to drop to the bench for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth, where Virgil van Dijk and Jacquet look set to start in central defence and Ronald Araujo is likely to return on the right.
His return nonetheless gives Iraola another reliable defensive option at a key point in the campaign.
