Liverpool centre back Joe Gomez had to come off in the 22nd minute of his side's away match with Burnley.
The England international was deputising for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back and clattered into the advertising hoardings when chasing a ball on the Burnley end line, hurting his right ankle in the process.
The 21-year-old looked in discomfort after the incident and had to be stretchered off, with Alexander-Arnold coming on in his place.
Liverpool fans were despairing in the wake of the injury, with Gomez having formed a formidable partnership with Van Dijk in a defence that has only been breached five times in the Premier League this season:
Joe Gomez being taken away on a stretcher. Cruel setback. Looks like his ankle. Trent AA on. #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) December 5, 2018
Me watching Joe Gomez get injured pic.twitter.com/uTJA7vWVUc
— SH (@Sennesation) December 5, 2018
Joe Gomez has gone off injures! Absolutely gutted
— Up the Reds (@UptheRedsFC) December 5, 2018
Oh Joe Gomez is injured,this is set back,this is bad news for Liverpool
— Kosarq (@Kosarq) December 5, 2018
Joe Gomez CANNOT be injured.
— Advaitlfc (@advaitlfc) December 5, 2018
Joe gomez stretchered off not good at all
— revolio clockberg (@page1902) December 5, 2018
Hope Joe Gomez recovers soon. Been immense this season. #LFC #BURLIV
— Varun Talathi (@VarunTalathi) December 5, 2018
This Joe Gomez injury has really worried me. It hurts.
— Amoa (@kkweks) December 5, 2018
This Joe Gomez injury has really worried me. It hurts.
— Amoa (@kkweks) December 5, 2018
Not exactly what Liverpool needed heading into the busy festive season.
