Liverpool Defender Joe Gomez to Undergo Surgery on Fractured Leg

Liverpool have announced defender Joe Gomez will undergo surgery to aid his recovery from the leg fracture he suffered in the 3-1 win at Burnley in December.

The club confirmed the decision via their official website on Monday and said the 21-year-old is "likely" to feature again this season.

Manager Jurgen Klopp commented on the decision to undergo surgery in a bid to aid Gomez's recovery: 

"It's a blow for the boy and for us—because prior to the injury he was in such fantastic shape.

"But he is too valuable to take any risk with, both for our present and future, so we get this procedure done and he comes back when he's ready.

"His attitude during this rehab has been outstanding but it just hasn't healed as we'd have liked so we will make this intervention and then he will come back."

An operation will delay Gomez's return in the short term but gives the 21-year-old a better chance of making a full recovery.

Gomez was on the receiving end of a tough tackle from Burnley defender Ben Mee, having got off to a bright start this season and starting in 12 of Liverpool's 15 Premier League games up to then.

The Daily Mail's Dominic King gave an estimate for Gomez's absence, putting the former Charlton Athletic star down for a potential return in March:

Liverpool's statement also included comments from Gomez, who said the latest setback was "hard to swallow," adding he wasn't looking forward to more time watching on from the sidelines:

"The hardest part is not being able to help the team and contribute on the pitch at the moment, so it's important I come back ready to go and this procedure will help with that. My only focus is getting back for Liverpool as soon as possible and I can promise the supporters I'll be working hard every day to do that."

The Reds hold a two-point lead at the Premier League summit as they travel to face West Ham United on Monday, while their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash against Bayern Munich begins on February 19.

Record signing Virgil van Dijk has helped transform Klopp's team since he arrived one year ago, but the Netherlands international will also be missing for that first leg at Anfield. Dejan Lovren and Trent Alexander-Arnold have also been among Liverpool's injured defenders of late.

Liverpool are aware of the potential England international Gomez possesses and are opting to invest in his long-term future, rather than risk aggravating an injury or not treating his recovery with due care.

That being said, writer Jack Lusby doesn't back the player to come back in time to have any more impact on Liverpool's season:

Gomez was established alongside Van Dijk early this season. Liverpool kept clean sheets in eight of their 12 league results with him in their lineup prior to facing Burnley (four goals conceded overall).

The youngster is contracted to the club until 2024 and has their backing as a star of the future, but he'll be sorely missed for the schedule to come as Liverpool approach key junctures in their European and domestic campaigns.