Liverpool’s Gomez to miss UEFA Champions League final match after ankle surgery

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez will miss the UEFA Champions League final match this month after undergoing surgery on his ankle, the English Premier League club said on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old, who made his England debut last year, will also not be fit for the World Cup in June.

Gomez injured his ankle while on international duty with England in March, and his recent Premier League games against West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City aggravated the problem.

He was not part of Liverpool’s squad for their UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against AS Roma last week and also missed their weekend league defeat at Chelsea.

“Liverpool can confirm Joe Gomez has undergone an operation on an ankle injury,” the club said in a statement.

Gomez should be ready for the start of Liverpool’s pre-season training schedule in July, it added.

Gomez has played regularly under England manager Gareth Southgate since making his international debut against Germany last November.

His absence will be a blow for his country, given Southgate’s preferred tactic of employing a three-man central defence.

“Gutted to confirm that my season for both club and country is over, having undergone successful ankle surgery,” Gomez wrote on his Instagram account.

“Been a tough few weeks trying everything possible to be available on the pitch to help the team.

“I’m going to do all I can to get back and be in the best possible shape for pre-season.

“The focus now is to support the team in the two biggest games of the season!”

Third-placed Liverpool host Brighton and Hove Albion in their last match of the Premier League season on Sunday.

They then play Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final on May 26.