Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez could potentially return from injury in time for his side's vital Champions League clash with Real Madrid this week.

The Lowdown: Gomez missing recently

The Reds make the trip to Spain on Wednesday evening, looking to produce one of the greatest comebacks in their history after their 5-2 loss in the first leg - one that saw them lead 2-0 during the first half and eventually capitulate in grim fashion.

Progression into the quarter-finals would arguably be an even greater achievement than the semi-final triumph over Barcelona back in 2019, such is the size of the task and the fact that the second leg isn't at Anfield.

Liverpool have been dogged by injury problems all season and someone who has been unavailable recently is Gomez, who hasn't featured since the aforementioned 5-2 defeat last month.

Now, it looks as though he could be nearing a return, however, following a fresh update.

The Latest: Back fit for Madrid?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, injury expert Ben Dinnery suggested that Wednesday night could see Gomez back in the fold after his recent absence:

"Gomez shouldn't be too far away, but that Real Madrid game, I would never rule out a return to the matchday squad, but not in terms of being thrust into that starting-11.

"Unless something serious was to crop up or arise ahead of that game, then it’s highly, highly unlikely he’s involved."

The Verdict: Certainly shouldn't start

This is a clear positive for Jurgen Klopp, in terms of having as many players available as possible, although it would be a huge shock if Gomez started proceedings on Wednesday.

Firstly, the £85,000-a-week defender will be lacking match fitness after being out for a few weeks, and finding that rhythm against a world-class Madrid side would be asking a lot of him, considering they possess the likes of Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema in attack.

The 25-year-old is also having a shaky season for Liverpool, with both he and Joel Matip a long way short of their best and doubts surrounding his future, while Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are the strongest centre-back pairing available.

For Gomez, the next few months represent a vital period for him in his Reds career, as he looks to prove to Klopp that he is worth persevering, even though his contract doesn't expire until 2027.  His manager has called him a 'sensational' footballer in the past, though, and given his age, he could deserve to stay on as a squad player beyond this summer.