Liverpool will face a monumental couple of months in their quest for a maiden Premier League title, and Jurgen Klopp's men will return to action next weekend against Tottenham Hotspur in a monster clash at Anfield.
A couple of sketchy results in the league has seen the Reds just falter slightly, and while they remain two points clear of title rivals Manchester City Pep Guardiola's men have a game in hand, so theoretically hold the upper hand, as a busy period of action takes place from next weekend.
However, Klopp could welcome back an integral member of the squad for the their final seven league matches, as Joe Gomez is set to resume full training after the international break, and the England international will look to reignite his stunning centre back partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk has been sensational all season for Liverpool and has surpassed the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane as the key cog in the Reds starting XI, but the Dutchman has had to play alongside Joel Matip in recent weeks, while Fabinho has been forced to drop back into defence at times with Gomez, Matip and Dejan Lovren out through injury.
Nevertheless, the return of Gomez will see him challenge Matip for a starting berth, and Klopp must swap his defenders around as the relationship between van Dijk and Gomez ignited a sensational defensive record for the Reds, ably supported by star goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Gomez has played in 13 Premier League matches this season and in those matches Liverpool only conceded five goals, which highlights the solidity the Merseysiders had at the back, as they soared to the top of the table. Gomez is yet to taste defeat in the league this season, with Gomez winning ten of the 13 matches played, with a trio of draws against Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal maintaining Gomez's unbeaten record.
If Liverpool are to claim the Premier League then you have to feel that they certainly don't want to lose any more games, but it's feasible that they will need to win every single remaining match in order to heap pressure on an in-form City side, and they can only do that if Gomez can return alongside van Dijk at the heart of the defence.
Klopp may feel he needs to bring Gomez back slowly after his ankle surgery, but the German boss must make the huge decision to play Gomez as soon as possible as it can breathe a new lease of life to Liverpool's quest for success.
Matip maybe used in their Champions League quarter-final matches with Porto, so Gomez can have a break in those midweek clashes, but Gomez's stunning record in the league this season emphasises his importance to Liverpool's season, and the England star can be the man that helps the Reds surge to domestic dominance, and duly halt City's dreams of landing a sensational quadruple.
Joe Gomez's Premier League Statistics For 2018/19 Season
Played - 13
Won - 10
Draw - 3
Goals Conceded - 5
