Gomez was forced off in the first half after a heavy collision with goalkeeper Alisson Becker while attempting to stop Evanilson’s opener. The versatile defender suffered a knock (described by Slot as “bone on bone” to the knee/body area), and post-match updates from the manager were cautious: Slot admitted he doesn’t know if Gomez will train in the next “two or three days,” casting doubt on his availability for the crucial Champions League clash against Qarabag on January 28. While not expected to be a long-term issue, the exact timeline remains unclear amid swelling for both Gomez and Alisson (who continued but showed discomfort). Gomez, already injury-prone this season, had only recently returned to the starting lineup with Ibrahima Konaté absent on compassionate leave following his father’s passing.
Compounding the blow, young centre-back Wellity Lucky has been ruled out for at least two months with a hamstring injury, as confirmed by The Athletic’s James Pearce and echoed across reports from the Mirror, Liverpool Echo, and others. The 20-year-old academy prospect (who made his senior debut in a Carabao Cup loss to Crystal Palace in October 2025) has missed Liverpool U21s’ recent games against Arsenal and Leeds United due to the issue. While Lucky isn’t a first-team regular, his absence removes valuable depth and bench cover—especially critical when senior options are so limited.
Full Defensive Picture – A Nightmare for Slot
Liverpool’s backline is stretched to breaking point:
- Virgil van Dijk remains the only fully fit senior centre-back mainstay.
- Ibrahima Konaté is unavailable due to family bereavement (missed recent matches, return uncertain).
- Giovanni Leoni (summer signing from Parma) is out for the season with an ACL tear sustained in September.
- Conor Bradley (right-back) is sidelined for the rest of the campaign after a serious knee injury against Arsenal earlier in January.
- Joe Gomez – now a major doubt short-term.
- Wellity Lucky – sidelined until at least late March/early April.
This has forced improvisations like midfielder Wataru Endo partnering Van Dijk in recent games. Slot has downplayed January signings, stating incomings are “unlikely” despite the injuries, emphasizing the club’s patient recruitment policy—no panic buys expected in this quiet window.
Pundits like Jamie Carragher have warned of “real problems” if no reinforcements arrive, noting that a serious injury to Van Dijk could “write off the season.” The Reds sit sixth in the Premier League (two points off fourth), their form dipping after last season’s title, with mentality, fitness, and depth issues exposed.
For Reds fans in Lagos and beyond: this is a brutal run of misfortune piling pressure on Slot ahead of key fixtures (Qarabag midweek, then Newcastle). Resilience and smart management will be key—no major moves loom, but recovery for Gomez and Konaté’s return could provide relief. The defensive bare bones are glaring—stay locked on official LFC updates and trusted sources like Pearce or Romano for any shifts. The fight continues. (Word count: 728)
