Andoni Iraola has clarified why Joe Gomez was taken off at half-time during Liverpool’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night.
Gomez had been sidelined since pre-season because of an injury, but returned to competitive action against Spurs as part of Liverpool’s heavily rotated starting XI.
The 29-year-old defender completed the first 45 minutes before being replaced by Jeremy Jacquet at the break.
Iraola reveals Gomez substitution was planned
There was no fresh injury concern for Gomez, with Iraola confirming after the game that the decision to withdraw him had been planned in advance.
The Liverpool boss explained that Gomez had been progressing well in his recovery, but the intention was always to give him around 45 minutes before assessing how he responded.
Asked whether the half-time change had been pre-planned, Iraola said: “Yes. Joe has been doing the recovery process very well and with him it made sense. It wasn’t set but the plan was not a lot more than 45, yes.”
Gomez makes solid return
Considering Gomez’s history with injuries and the fact that he had not played since late July, a full 90 minutes was always unlikely. Completing 45 minutes on his return will nevertheless provide a positive step in his recovery.
The defender also wore the captain’s armband during his comeback and produced a composed display before being substituted.
Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle gave Gomez a 6/10 rating, describing his performance as one in which he “kept things simple defensively” throughout his time on the pitch.
