‘No’ – Slot confirms blow for Liverpool ahead of Everton

“Asked on Friday whether the No.2 is available to play against the Toffees, Arne Slot replied: ‘No.’”

That confirmation also answers questions raised after the PSG game, when John Aldridge had questioned the substitution, saying: “A few baffling decisions from Arne? Joe Gomez? If he’s not injured?”

Liverpool facing defensive issues again

Unfortunately, this latest setback continues a frustrating pattern for the 28-year-old, who has now missed significant time this season through multiple injuries, leaving us short once again in key defensive areas.

With Conor Bradley also sidelined and Jeremie Frimpong managing his own fitness issues, Slot may be forced into creative solutions at right-back, with players like Dominik Szoboszlai or Curtis Jones having previously filled in when needed.

This situation also comes at a time when uncertainty surrounds Gomez’s longer-term future, with reports suggesting he could be one of the players considered for a summer exit as part of the club’s rebuild.

That makes this period even more complicated, because while the defender has been a loyal and versatile option for us over many years, injuries have once again disrupted his ability to build momentum at a crucial stage of the season.

For now, though, the focus is simply on Sunday, and with Gomez unavailable, Slot will have to find a solution quickly in what is always one of the most demanding fixtures on our calendar.