Joe Gomez travels with Liverpool's squad to Middlesbrough

The 19-year-old defender only played 45 minutes for the U23s against Arsenal at Anfield on Monday night as Jürgen Klopp knew he might be required for the trip to the north east.

Liverpool have fitness concerns over centre-back Dejan Lovren, who was forced off during Sunday's 2-2 draw with West Ham United due to cramp in his hamstring.

Lovren has recovered sufficiently to be given the green light to travel to Teesside, but Klopp must decide whether to risk the Croatian against Boro or bring in Ragnar Klavan or Lucas Leiva.

If Gomez is named among the subs it will be the first time he's made Liverpool's 18-man matchday squad since the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in October 2015 – the final game of Brendan Rodgers' reign.

The England U21 international has been building up his match fitness since returning to action last month following a year out with anterior cruciate ligament and Achilles injuries. He has clocked up four appearances for Liverpool U23s.

Klopp recently ruled out the prospect of sending Gomez on loan in the second half of the season. He had been linked with a temporary move to Championship outfit Huddersfield Town.

“What I think about Joe Gomez is he is an unbelievable talent, which everybody knew before,” Klopp said.

“It’s a long injury and if we send him on loan, with his quality, a team will play him every game. That is not what he needs in the moment. Because he was a long time injured he needs us to judge: ‘now play, now stop, rest, work on this, do this, do a little bit on this’.

“He’s our boy for the future 100 per cent. There’s no rush for him.”

Source: Liverpool Echo

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