---
title: "Virals: Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk continue rehabilitation in Portugal"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/virals-joe-gomez-and-virgil-van-dijk-continue-rehabilitation-in-portugal/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-06-10T06:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-06-10T06:00:00Z"
---

# Virals: Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk continue rehabilitation in Portugal

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/06/09/liverpool-hoping-to-raise-60m-in-transfer-funds/) have sorely missed the sight of Joe Gomez lining up alongside [Virgil van Dijk](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/05/13/virgil-van-dijk-delivers-training-pitch-message-after-euro-2020-decision/) at centre-back over the last nine months.

After the Dutchman’s season was [brought to a premature end](https://theathletic.com/news/virgil-van-dijk-injury-liverpool-euro-2020/4yotY3KpWeMn) at Goodison Park last October, Gomez was dealt a similar fate whilst away on England duty just weeks later.

The double injury blow left Jurgen Klopp with only Joel Matip left standing as a recognised central defender – before the Cameroon ace was himself [ruled out](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/424517-jurgen-klopp-confirms-joel-matip-injury-diagnosis#:~:text=J%C3%BCrgen%20Klopp%20has%20confirmed%20Joel,win%20in%20London%20last%20Thursday.) for the final months of the campaign.

All three Reds didn’t feature again following their injuries and both Van Dijk and Gomez have [missed the opportunity](https://www.goal.com/en/news/unlikely-klopp-rules-van-dijk-and-gomez-out-of-euro-2020/1qcw0ossqf09z1uh3of8scg3jw) to represent their nations at this summers European Championships.

Instead, the defensive duo are continuing on the road to recovery and have been [completing their rehabilitation together](https://www.instagram.com/joegomez5/?hl=en) in sunny Portugal, as captured on Gomez’ Instagram with the caption ‘On our way’.

> Twitter: Joe Gomez on Instagram ![❤️](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.0.1/svg/2764.svg) https://t.co/I3OOo1yZvM (@TheAnfieldTalk)

The 24-year-old posted a series of videos as the two stars hope to be ready to return when Jurgen Klopp’s men [reconvene for pre-season](https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/liverpool-pre-season-blow-setback-20743948) next month.

In their absence, the German manager was forced to mix and match at the back – eventually settling on [Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/434196-nat-phillips-and-rhys-williams-have-created-proper-careers-now) for the all-important run-in after loan signing Ozan Kabak was ruled out.

Despite all the issues the Reds [finished third](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) in the Premier League – thus ensuring UEFA Champions League football for the trio’s return and [new signing Ibrahima Konate](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/435628-liverpool-agree-deal-to-sign-ibrahima-konate-from-rb-leipzig) from RB Leipzig.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

These clips are the most active either has looked during their [rehabilitation](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/433729-gallery-virgil-van-dijk-latest-rehab-session-at-axa-training-centre) period.

Twisting, turning and ball-work are comfortably the biggest steps made, boding well for a potential pre-season campaign with the rest of the squad.

Having these pair back fit and firing – perhaps [more determined](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/433769-virgil-van-dijk-exclusive-interview-injury-pre-season-comeback) than ever – will be a huge boost to Liverpool’s chances next term.

There will however be a headache for Klopp when it comes to picking a first-choice partnership, with potentially at least [four top-class central defenders](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/first-team) available at any one time.