Gareth Southgate Delivers Joe Gomez Injury Verdict

It’s been a rough week for Joe Gomez, with the young Liverpool defender first suffering a facial laceration in a training attack by international teammate Raheem Sterling, with the Manchester City winger still upset about his side’s league defeat.

Then, for his efforts, he was booed by England fans who appeared to have sided with his attacker and were upset at Sterling having to sit out a game for his actions. Then, to add injury to insult, he picked up a knee injury in training over the weekend.

“You couldn’t make it up really if you tried,” said Gareth Southgate of Gomez’ trying week, though the England manager says there’s nothing for Liverpool fans to worry about when it comes to that knee injury, which shouldn’t see him miss any action.

“He’s absolutely fine,” Southgate continued. “He took a clash of knees. We scanned it to be certain and I think he’ll be fine in a couple of days, but he wasn’t able to train. We actually ended up having a chuckle this morning at the ridiculousness of it.”

Attacked by a teammate, booed by England fans for being attacked by a teammate, and then injured. Ridiculous is certainly one way to sum the past week up for the 22-year-old Gomez. Thankfully, though, it’s over now and he’s back with his club.

“It’s been a difficult week for him,” Southgate added, “but one that will make him stronger and one that he’s dealt with really well.”