Liverpool’s already challenging FA Cup tie against Plymouth Argyle was dealt a significant blow within the first 10 minutes, as Joe Gomez suffered an injury and was forced to limp off the pitch.
The defender, who had been making his much-awaited return from a hamstring injury that had kept him out for the entirety of January, did not appear to be at his best from the start, sparking concerns among the Liverpool faithful.
A worrying exchange with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher hinted at a potential problem, and it wasn’t long before Gomez took to the turf and signaled to the bench that he couldn’t continue.
A quick examination by the Liverpool physios confirmed his worst fears, and Gomez was promptly replaced by 20-year-old debutant Isaac Mabaya.
In the absence of star defensive duo Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, who were both rested for Wednesday’s pivotal Merseyside derby against Everton, Wataru Endo was tasked with slotting back into the center of defense alongside Mabaya.
However, the makeshift defense was ultimately unable to prevent Ryan Hardie from scoring the winner from the penalty spot, sealing a shock 1-0 upset for Plymouth Argyle and sending Liverpool crashing out of the competition.
