Joe Gomez returns to training ahead of Crystal Palace clash
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Joe Gomez missed Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Everton last weekend due to injury. Image Credits: Imago ImagesLiverpool have received a boost in their push for Champions League qualification, with Joe Gomez returning to outdoor training at the AXA Training Centre on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s session alongside Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili.Gomez was substituted on and off against Paris Saint-Germain, with little clarity over his fitness at the time, but his return to training ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit is a positive sign.However, he is unlikely to start given his injury record and the alternative options available to Arne Slot, including Curtis Jones, Jeremie Frimpong and Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back.Liverpool have been dealing with several injury setbacks in recent weeks, the most serious being Hugo Ekitike’s ruptured Achilles sustained against PSG, which will rule him out of this summer’s World Cup.The Reds will look to take another step towards securing a top-five finish when they face Palace, having won their last two Premier League games since the March international break to strengthen their hold on fifth place.A third consecutive win could open up an eight-point gap to sixth place with four games remaining, though Liverpool will still be focused on finishing as high as possible with both Manchester United and Aston Villa within reach.Crystal Palace, meanwhile, may already have one eye on their Conference League semi-final first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk.Oliver Glasner’s side are effectively safe from relegation and still have an outside chance of Champions League qualification, depending on Aston Villa’s European progress.Palace beat Liverpool 2-1 in the reverse fixture thanks to a 97th-minute goal from Eddie Nketiah, and have not lost at Anfield since September 2021, including a Carabao Cup win in October that year.They are unbeaten against Liverpool in all competitions this season across three meetings, a run that extends to four games when including the final-day clash last season.
However, both teams arrive in very different circumstances now.Liverpool need a win to maintain pressure on their top-five rivals, while Palace’s priorities lie elsewhere. That balance could finally tilt in the hosts’ favour.👊📸 pic.twitter.com/8PJJ15OjFP— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 23, 2026 Crystal Palace Joe Gomez