Joe Gomez ruled out of Liverpool's first game of new season as Andoni Iraola gives injury update

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCJoe Gomez has been ruled out of the start of the new season, with Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola having given an update on the defender's injury during the club's pre-season tourJoe Gomez was forced off just 10 minutes into Liverpool's opening pre-season friendly(Image: Getty Images)Andoni Iraola has confirmed Joe Gomez will miss Liverpool's opening game of the new season, having picked up an injury during the club's first pre-season game this summer.Gomez was forced off just 10 minutes into the Reds' game against Sunderland at the weekend, having begun their US tour in Nashville with a 4-2 win. The defender has been missing from training since, and was not in the squad on Wednesday as Liverpool beat Championship side Wrexham in New York.Giving an update on his injury, Iraola told reporters during a press conference on Thursday: "It's a muscle injury.

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."Gomez's injury already leaves Liverpool short of options at center-back before the new season has even begun. The 19-year-old had been expected to play some part in pre-season, although the club won't want to take any risks after such a serious injury.Andoni Iraola has confirmed Joe Gomez will miss Liverpool's opening game of the new season(Image: Getty Images)Virgil van Dijk will link back up with the rest of his teammates when the Reds return to Merseyside, with the Liverpool captain having begun his pre-season training back at the AXA Training Centre following his involvement at the World Cup.

With just over three weeks to go until the season begins at Newcastle though, Iraola is facing up to the possibility of having just two senior defenders available to start the campaign.Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who has impressed after making the move from Austria Wien, will not be available to step up from the academy either, with the 18-year-old ineligible to play for the Reds this season and expected to head out on loan.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Despite the lack of options at the back, and a quiet transfer window, Iraola has been impressed by what he has seen from his squad so far."A lot of players have surprised me, younger players," he said.