Andoni Iraola clarifies Joe Gomez substitution as injury recurrence concerns are eased
Andoni Iraola has explained why Joe Gomez was taken off at half-time during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night.
The experienced defender had missed the opening weeks of the season after picking up an injury during pre-season. He finally returned to competitive action in the Carabao Cup, featuring in a heavily rotated Liverpool side.
Gomez was given 45 minutes against Spurs before being replaced at the break, with Jeremy Jacquet coming on for the second half.
Iraola clarifies Gomez substitution
Any concerns that Gomez had suffered another injury were quickly dismissed after the match. Iraola explained that the plan from the beginning was for the Liverpool No. 2 to play around 45 minutes before being assessed.
The substitution was therefore part of his planned return to action rather than a response to a fresh injury concern.
Asked whether Gomez’s half-time substitution had been planned in advance, the Basque coach explained that the defender had followed his recovery programme well and that the intention was always to limit his minutes.
He said: “Joe has handled his recovery process very well. It made sense for him to come off around that point. It wasn’t a fixed limit, but the plan was never for him to play much beyond 45 minutes.”
Gomez makes a steady return after 45 minutes
Considering Joe Gomez’s history with injuries and the fact that he had not played since the end of July, a full 90 minutes against Tottenham was always unlikely. Getting 45 minutes of competitive action under his belt was still an important step in his comeback.
The defender delivered a composed performance on his return, captaining Liverpool and keeping things simple throughout his time on the pitch. Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle rated him 6/10, noting that Gomez focused on doing the basics well defensively.
His statistics also reflected a reliable outing. In his 45 minutes, Gomez recorded four clearances, two blocks and one interception, gradually finding his rhythm as he returned to competitive football.
Gomez could now drop back to the bench for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth, with Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet potentially forming the centre-back pairing and Ronald Araujo expected to return to the right side.
Nevertheless, Gomez can take plenty of positives from his comeback. His return gives Liverpool another defensive option at a crucial stage of the season, particularly with a demanding run of fixtures awaiting the Reds after the upcoming international break.
