Liverpool’s Joe Gomez has faced a series of injury setbacks during his time with the club, and he is now opening up about how these struggles for fitness have taken a toll on his mental well-being.
When Gomez eventually departs from Liverpool or retires from football altogether, he will be remembered for his significant contributions to the Reds’ 2019/20 Premier League title victory. He is a formidable defender and, during that season, formed an unbreakable partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defense.
Unfortunately, Gomez’s persistent injury issues have hindered his potential at the club. Since joining from Charlton Athletic in 2015, he has spent a total of 827 days (equivalent to 2.2 calendar years) on the sidelines, averaging 103 days injured for each year he’s been at the club, resulting in numerous missed matches.
Such a high level of injuries can take a toll on a player’s mental state, and Gomez has now candidly discussed how his limited availability has affected his mental health over the past eight years.
In a conversation with Jacamo and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) during the launch of a new collection of adidas activewear, Gomez revealed, “Once I got injured, I had a lot of spare time, which I think is the biggest change you notice as a player. When you’re on the pitch training, you don’t have time to dwell; you’re simply in your subconscious, enjoying the game.”
He continued, “I had a couple of minor injuries, but my last one, the hamstring injury, was significant and really shook my world.”
Despite these challenges, the 26-year-old emphasized, “Once I returned to football, I had other battles, worrying about my body and things beyond my control, apart from the work I needed to do. It’s about appreciating and being thankful that I can still do what I do. I draw on that to stay motivated for my gym sessions, even when we return from an away game. I just remember those tough moments and, aside from that, enjoy it.”
Despite his ongoing fitness issues, Gomez has become a highly valued member of Liverpool’s squad, amassing 174 appearances for the club thus far, and he continues to be part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans. Currently, Gomez is fully fit and made a substitute appearance in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth last weekend.
