Joe Gomez ruled out of Champions League final while Liverpool defender will also miss World Cup finals
Chris Bascombe
8 MAY 2018 • 2:06PM
Joe Gomez, the Liverpool defender, has seen his Champions League dream shattered by an ankle injury which has also ruled him out of this summer's World Cup finals.
The youngster has undergone an ankle operation. He had not fully recovered from the problem he sustained while on international duty with England, and it has been aggravated in recent Premier League games against West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City.
Gomez was a shadow of himself in those fixtures – he was unfairly criticised for his performances given the circumstances as he was playing in pain – and now he has paid a heavy price.
Not only will Liverpool be without the player for their final home game against Brighton – a must win game to ensure Champions League qualification next year – but also the final against Real Madrid on May 26.
For Gareth Southgate it is also a significant setback. Southgate’s experiments with three centre-halves have been encouraging, and Gomez is a player who could comfortably slot into the position.
He looked a certainty to make the squad before picking up the injury in the early minutes of England’s friendly win over Holland in March, however the player confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that he will not travel to Russia.
"Gutted to confirm that my season for both club and country is over having undergone successful ankle surgery," Gomez said in an Instagram post.
"Been a tough few weeks trying everything possible to be available on the pitch to help the team. I’m going to do all I can to get back and be in the best possible shape for pre-season. The focus now is to support the team in the two biggest games of the season!"
It is the latest in what is becoming a catalogue of injury setbacks at Anfield. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s serious knee injury ended his season and World Cup chances.
Adam Lallana has had numerous problems despite his recent return from a hamstring issue. It won’t be pre-season until he is match fit, even if he is training again.
Emre Can is hoping to step up after a back problem. Joel Matip has missed the climax to the campaign after thigh surgery.
Liverpool’s squad is being stretched to its limit. So too is Southgate’s