Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 7y

Liverpool's Joe Gomez remaining patient, could feature for U23s - source

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has spoken of his relief at getting back out on the football pitch following a 13-month layoff, while he could feature for the under-23s side on Wednesday night, a source has told ESPN FC.

Gomez, 19, tore his ACL last October before he suffered another setback with an Achilles problem in preseason.

The England youth international played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Fleetwood Town earlier this month and will look to continue his comeback as part of the squad for the U23s' Lancashire Senior Cup quarterfinal against Burnley at Liverpool's Kirkby academy, the source said,

"It was a tough year for me, but it meant a lot to get my first minutes [back] on the pitch," Gomez told Liverpool's official website. "It was a long time away from it. It meant a lot and it was a relief to get playing again. I dreamt of it for a long time, as you can imagine, so it was good.

"After a long-term injury, you've got to be careful with how far you push it. I've just got to be patient and build up my minutes, gradually taking my time getting back to full fitness. It's all part of the journey."

Gomez says he is keen to make a swift return to competitive action, given Liverpool's recent form that sees them lie second in the Premier League table.

"The way the team is playing, it is the sort of team you want to play for," Gomez added. "It's going to make it a challenge to get back in and around it. It's a great team to play for and that's what you aspire to do."

Last month, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stressed the importance of not rushing Gomez back into action too quickly after such a long time spent on the sidelines.

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