Joe Gomez edges closer to full Liverpool return after completing 90 minutes for Under-23s

Joe Gomez took another big step towards making his full return for Liverpool after completing 90 minutes playing for the club's Under-23 side on Wednesday (23 November).

Gomez, 19, started his first game in 13 months as Michael Beale's side cruised to a comfortable 4-0 win over Burnley in the second round of the Lancashire Senior Cup. The former Charlton Athletic youngster enjoyed a relatively comfortable evening as part of a back three alongside first-team outcast Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Illori, with Reds youngster Matty Virtue netting a hat-trick after a superb opener from Madger Gomes.

Gomez had previously played 45 minutes for his club in a behind closed doors friendly victory over Accrington Stanley at Melwood on 13 November. The versatile defender suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury last October, a setback that ended his bright start to the 2015-16 season, but will now be hoping to force his way back into the first-team picture in the coming months.

Speaking after the comfortable win over Burnley, Under-23s manager Beale told the club's official website: "It was fantastic to see Joe Gomez play his first 90 minutes in a long time.

"He came through it fine and he had a big smile on his face at the end which was great to see."

Klopp meanwhile has been impressed with Gomez since his return to training in October but insists he will exercise real caution in bringing the youngster back into the first-team after such a serious injury.

"[He's] good, but there's absolutely no rush in it and we should stay cool," Klopp said after his return against Accringotn Stanley.

I'm really happy to have him back, it was the first time that I really saw him in a match live.

"It was not the most difficult game for a centre-half, I would say, but he did well. His training is good and now he can start working on the tactical things."