Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Joe Gomez will be out of action for ‘the next couple of games’.

The 20-year-old was forced off after just 10 minutes in England’s friendly against the Netherlands at Amsterdam last Friday due to an ankle injury and has been assessed at Melwood this week.

Gomez has been ruled out of Saturday’s game at Crystal Palace as well as the first leg of Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City on Wednesday. However, Klopp expects the defender to return before the end of the season.

“After the initial shock, we got the best news we could get,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com.

“At the moment, it’s serious – and serious enough to rule him out for the next couple of games. But I think we will see Joe back on the pitch this season, it’s pretty sure, how it looks at the moment.

“He feels much better already but of course we need to be careful. I don’t know exactly how long but we hopefully have a lot of games to come and he will be part of a few.”

Gomez’s absence could open the door for Nathaniel Clyne to make his first appearance of the season following a long-term back injury after Klopp confirmed that the right-back has returned to the first-team squad.

When Gomez injured his ankle against Holland, the first impression of the injury didn’t give promising signs. It seemed as if the 20-year-old’s season was over. However, the latest injury update given by Klopp could see Gomez don the Liverpool jersey once again this campaign.

Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold have done a fantastic job at right-back this season. Klopp has used the two youngsters perfectly after Clyne suffered a back injury in the pre-season.

It is a shame to miss the services of Gomez, particularly with the Champions League quarter-final tie against Manchester City on the horizon.

Let’s hope Gomez makes a speedy recovery and helps the Reds finish the season a high.