Joe Gomez has reacted to Wataru Endo injury latest ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth round clash against Brighton on Saturday
Joe Gomez of Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Joe Gomez has declared himself ready to step back into the Liverpool starting line-up – but admits he is “gutted” Wataru Endo is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Gomez made his return after three games out with a hip problem when replacing the injured Endo at right-back midway through the second half of the 1-0 Premier League win at Sunderland on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old is now in contention for only his third start in two months for the FA Cup fourth-round clash at home to Brighton on Saturday evening.
Gomez also had several weeks on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury during the first half of Liverpool’s 2-0 home Premier League win over the Seagulls in mid-December.
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And he said: “Always you try to prepare the best as possible and just make sure you’re available for whatever the gaffer decides.
“An 8pm (kick-off), it replicates Champions League nights in many ways and we know what they’re like. Hopefully we can use the atmosphere to give us the energy to get to the next round.
“Domestically, we’ve not had the easiest of seasons and I think this is a good chance for us to try to have a successful campaign. The FA Cup is such a historic trophy and I think trying to go as far as we can is obviously going to be the aim.”
Of the win at Sunderland, Gomez added: “I think it shows resilience, grit and concentration from the boys to keep a clean sheet.
“Those ones are sometimes sweeter when you come away and know that you’ve earned it for every minute of the game.”
Liverpool are still waiting to discover the extent of Endo’s injury with the Japan international having fallen awkwardly on his ankle when making a clearance at the Stadium of Light, although Reds boss Arne Slot is braced for the 33-year-old being sidelined for an extended period.
And speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Gomez said: “I’m gutted for Wata. He’s such a treasured part of this squad and we appreciate him so much.
“Who he is as a person and how he plays, I think that showed in him trying to carry on.
“I think we all know that it’s such a frustrating part of the game and we know how hard he’ll work to come back stronger. Hopefully he comes back as soon as possible and has a chance to go to the World Cup.”