Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is set to miss a significant portion of the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury that may require surgery. Gomez, 27, was substituted after just 11 minutes in Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Plymouth Argyle on February 9.

The game was Gomez’s first appearance after returning from a previous hamstring injury that kept him out for six weeks. Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed his disappointment at the setback.

“It’s a big blow for Joe and for us. He works really hard to come back, and then the first game, when he came back after two or three minutes, we saw him making a sprint, and now he is out for weeks again. So that’s always very hard for a player in every part of the season, let alone a part of the season everyone is looking forward to.” Slot said.

The club has yet to decide whether Gomez will undergo surgery. However, Slot stated that Gomez “might” need an operation. Gomez has been limited to just 10 starts this season due to injuries and has made only nine appearances in the Premier League.

Liverpool faces Aston Villa at Villa Park on Wednesday, looking to go 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a victory. However, they will be without Gomez and Cody Gakpo, who missed Sunday’s 2-1 win against Wolves due to a knock.

Slot is optimistic that Gomez will return in time for the final phase of the season. Despite the setback, Liverpool remains in a strong position in the Premier League, and Slot will be hoping that his team can maintain their momentum without Gomez.

The injury to Gomez is a significant blow to Liverpool, but the team has shown resilience and depth throughout the season. With a busy schedule ahead, Liverpool will need to adapt to Gomez’s absence and find a way to maintain their title challenge.