Joe Gomez’s long-term knee injury picked up while on England duty deepens Liverpool’s injury crisis.

However, while the former Charlton youngster will miss most of the season, some fairly good news has emerged for Jurgen Klopp.

Indeed, according to the Independent, the problem isn’t quite as bad as first feared.

They claim that, while Gomez did undergo surgery, there is a chance he could play again this season and make the delayed Euro 2020 tournament next summer.

Promisingly, the 23-year-old isn’t thought to have suffered any ligament damage in his knee, meaning there is a chance he could feature again before the campaign is finished.

Clearly, that will do little to make the situation easier to swallow right now given Jurgen Klopp recently fumed about the hectic schedule but does at least represent a slightly more promising situation.

With the January transfer window only weeks away from opening, Liverpool only have to contend with their defensive headache for a short while longer. Again, not an ideal situation, but at least they will soon be able to do something about it when the window opens.

Liverpool latest news Joe Gomez injury

If the club can get something sorted in January (a market they’ve shopped in before when buying Virgil van Dijk no less) then a potential return for Gomez before the end of the season would provide them with strong options at the business end of the campaign.

The Athletic recently suggested Fabinho could return after the international break and, given the success of his brief foray into central defence, would help plug some of the gaps.

Gomez's return may not be soon enough to please Jurgen Klopp but, when the dust has settled somewhat, the fact it could be sooner than expected should be celebrated.