Trent Alexander-Arnold has handed Jurgen Klopp a welcome boost after returning from injury on Saturday evening.
While Liverpool were thrashing Blackpool 7-2 at Anfield in their final pre-season friendly, the right-back was on international duty with England for their Nations League opener against Iceland.
Having missed the entirety of pre-season so far with injury, the right-back made his return as a 73rd minute substitute in place of Jadon Sancho following Kyle Walker’s dismissal for the Three Lions.
Starting at centre-back alongside Eric Dier, the 23-year-old put in an improved display from recent pre-season showings.
However, he was booked after committing a clumsy foul to bring down Holmbert Fridjonsson in the dying embers of the match in Reykjavik, though Birkir Bjarnason missed the resulting penalty.
With Gomez ocassionally looking out-of-sorts since Project Restart and having suffered with unfortaunte injury problems in the past, question marks over Liverpool’s defensive ranks persist following Dejan Lovren’s move to Zenit St. Petersburg.
Joel Matip made his return from injury against Blackpool and will vie with the England international for a starting role alongside Virgil van Dijk again.
Do Liverpool need another senior centre-back? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below
However, his injury record remains a concern, with midfielder Fabinho and youngsters Ki-Jana Hoever, Sepp van den Berg, Nat Phillips and Billy Koumetio the only recognised alternatives.
Dutch duo Hoever and Van den Berg caught the eye against the Seasiders with the latter scoring his first goal for the club, but 17-year-old Koumetio didn’t enjoy the easiest of maiden starts.
Meanwhile, Phillips is expected to move on before the transfer window closes next month.
For the time being, the ECHO understands Reds aren't actively targeting a new central defender with club bosses believing they have enough in that area to challenge again.
However, with a month to go until the window closes, Klopp and Michael Edwards have plenty to ponder and there is nothing to rule out a late move for a central defender should circumstances and financial positions change.
Take our LFC transfer survey and let us know what you think the Reds need this summer HERE
