Joe Gomez could be on the Liverpool sidelines for up to another six weeks, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.
The defender fractured his lower left leg on December 5 and was only expected to be out for a few weeks.
Virgil van Dijk and Gomez had formed a formidable duo before the England ace suffered the injury.
The Reds have felt the absence of the 21-year-old at times and will be eager to have him back.
Klopp confirmed recently that Gomez required further surgery on the injury and will be out for over a month.
Joe Gomez – What games has he missed?
Gomez has had to sit out of 14 Liverpool games to date and will miss several more.
He was absent for the Reds’ wins over Napoli, Manchester United and Arsenal, their defeats at Manchester City and Wolves and the Champions League Round of 16 draw with Bayern Munich.
Joe Gomez – What games should he be back for?
If Gomez is out for six weeks, he could return for the Premier League clash against Tottenham on March 31.
But the club are hopeful he’ll be back earlier and the visit of Burnley on March 10 is a possibility.
That would mean he could face Bayern in the return leg on March 13 but he will miss the huge upcoming Premier League matches against United and Everton.
Joe Gomez – What is his record this season?
Gomez has played 21 games for club and country this term, keeping ten clean sheets.
With the ex-Charlton star in defence in league games this season, Liverpool conceded just four goals.
Joe Gomez – What has Jurgen Klopp said?
Ahead of last weekend’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth, Klopp said: “Joe’s surgery worked pretty well. Time frame is always pretty difficult, but [it’s] four to six weeks in terms of return to play.”
Joe Gomez said on social media earlier this week: “Gutted to have suffered a setback in my rehab which resulted in the successful op.
“It hurts massively not to be able to contribute towards the team on the pitch especially at a time like this. I’m doing all I can physically to come back stronger.”