SportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool head coach Andoni Iraola already has another injury to deal with after the team failed to come through this summer's first pre-season friendly against Sunderland unscathed19:19, 30 Jul 2026Updated 19:42, 30 Jul 2026Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Joe Gomez sustained a muscle injury during Liverpool's first pre-season friendly against Sunderland. The Reds' head coach believes "it will be impossible" to have him available for the start of the Premier League season.‌Gomez, 29, lasted just eight minutes of the match in Nashville before having to be substituted. Ifeanyi Ndukwe replaced Liverpool's longest-serving player, who handed the captain's armband over to Kostas Tsimikas, who has returned from a loan at Roma this summer.‌The former England international was absent from their match overnight against Wrexham. Gomez now faces a month on the sidelines.‌Iraola offered an injury update on Thursday during a press conference in Chicago: "Joe has a muscle injury. It was quite clear since he complained straight away, so he will be off for some weeks."It's a muscle injury. It's difficult to say - normally one month. If it goes very well, then a little bit less. If it goes bad, then a bit more, but it's a muscle injury.‌"It's not massive. I think it will be impossible to have him at the start of the season because we are not that far, but it shouldn't be much more.There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.Article continues belowFollow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Joe GomezSunderland AFCLiverpool FCPre-season friendlies