Earlier this week, Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Joel Matip had sustained an injury while playing against Sheffield United in the Premier League.
With options like Fabinho, Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez as replacements in the starting XI, it was never 100% certain which way the boss would go.
The young Englishman looked like the most likely to take Matip’s place, given it was arguably his place just 12 months ago, and it now sees that’s the case.
Gomez has been utilised as a full back more often than not, since Matip started dropping 10/10 performances every time he graced the field, but he should get a chance tonight.
The Athletic reporter James Pearce was one of the first to suggest Gomez would feature, on his Twitter profile.
Joel Matip ruled out of game v Salzburg. Joe Gomez set to earn a recall at centre-back #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) October 1, 2019
Matip faces a last-minute fitness test, as per the club’s official website, but it would be very unlike the boss to risk injuring a player further.
That being said, Gomez is surely more than ready to grab a chance in the starting XI by the scruff of its neck to prove his worth.
Xherdan Shaqri will also remain on the sidelines this week, and the game comes too soon for goalkeeper Alisson Becker who will need 2-3 more weeks before he’s in contention.