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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Paul Gorst

Joe Gomez boost for Liverpool as Champions League final looms

Joe Gomez is winning his race to be included in Liverpool's squad for the Champions League final.

The Reds defender was injured in Tuesday night's 2-1 win at Southampton and was withdrawn at half time at St Mary's after an awkward incident that saw Mohammed Salisu land on his ankle towards the end of the first period.

Gomez left the south coast on crutches and in a protective boot, and was forced to hobble on the team bus as it pulled away from the stadium close to midnight on Tuesday evening.

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However, the prognosis is now looking much more positive as Liverpool look ahead to their trip to Paris for the European Cup final showdown with Real Madrid.

It's understood that the 24-year-old is targeting a return to full training before the Reds head out to the French capital next week and the defender was spotted walking freely in the aftermath of Liverpool's 3-1 win at home to Wolves on Sunday.

Liverpool were keen to seek out a second scan after an initial one reported good news for the defender and Gomez is now hopeful of a place in the squad at the Stade de France on Saturday evening.

The news will be welcomed at Anfield as they look ahead to the Champions League final with a number of key fitness issues. Thiago Alcantara limped off towards the end of the first half of Sunday's victory, while fellow midfielder Fabinho is locked in another battle to prove his own fitness before next Saturday.

Virgil van Dijk hasn't played the last two games for the Reds either after picking up an injury in the FA Cup win over Chelsea, although it is anticipated the Dutchman will be cleared to take part in France against the 13-time champions of Europe.

Despite playing a part in a squad that has won a domestic double this term, it's been something of a frustrating campaign to an extent on a personal level for former Charlton Athletic teenager Gomez.

After getting himself fit once more after a long-term knee injury left him sidelined from November 2020 through to July 2021, he made just four Premier League starts, all of which came in the unfamiliar role of right-back.

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