If Joe Gomez needs inspiration as he recovers from another devastating knee injury, he doesn’t have to look far.
Liverpool have confirmed that Gomez underwent successful tendon surgery on his left knee after contracting the problem while training with England on Tuesday.
While the Reds refuse to rule out a return to action before the end of the season, it is clear the 23-year-old is facing a significant problem.
Gomez has developed a strong bond with Virgil van Dijk, both in terms of the center-back pairing on the field and in terms of friendship off the field.
And this relationship can now help the duo inspire each other on their way back to full fitness. Van Dijk is likely to be ruled out for the campaign as he is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament problem he suffered last month.
Rehabilitation after such a severe injury can be a long, lonely place.
Gomez has been here before, of course, having suffered a similar cruciate ligament injury just months after joining Liverpool in the summer of 2015.
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He benefited from working with former Liverpool striker Danny Ings, who sustained an ACL injury during a training session in Melwood on the same day as Gomez’s setback, for at least the first seven months of his recovery.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another Liverpool player who has suffered long-term injuries and also damaged his anterior cruciate ligament in April 2018.
He was joined by Rhian Brewster during his recovery, who was trying to regain fitness due to knee and ankle problems that ultimately kept him away for 18 months.
And when Oxlade-Chamberlain spoke in the middle of his rehabilitation, he revealed the difference that can be made of not having to walk alone.
“You’re just sort of in a quiet room doing your gym, and it’s those moments that are the most difficult, especially when it’s a long process and it will be like that every day,” he said.
“So it’s nice to have a younger boy that I can guide myself through too. Rhian was brilliant, he’s a great boy and I don’t really have to tell him too much.
“Most of the time he looks after me, I’ll be honest.
“He’s always so positive and he just has this youthful enthusiasm for him that will really exist, it keeps me going.”
Van Dijk is the player Gomez has looked up to since the Dutchman arrived at Anfield almost three years ago.
They had turned their backs on each other when Liverpool strolled to the Premier League title last season.
Now they will take care of each other again – albeit under completely different circumstances.
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