Joe Gomez

Gomez assisted once to go with four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 win over West Ham United.

Gomez is "close" to playing meaningful minutes, manager Arne Slot told media during Thursday's press conference. "He's close," said Slot. "He could have been involved yesterday as well in terms of minutes. But when we are 2-1 or 3-1 down, I tend to make offensive substitutions. And for him to start a game is also definitely a possibility."

Gomez received an injection and has been unable to train normally, but is still fit moving forward, according to manager Arne Slot. "Normally, I wouldn't go into detail maybe that much, but he had an injection last week on his knee. So, that means that's normally not because you don't feel anything. Although, he is in the group tomorrow, as he was on Saturday. But [he] wasn't able to train last week every single time."

Gomez hasn't made any league starts this season, but remains the only natural backup option.

Gomez is ramping up his fitness ahead of Monday's match against Newcastle after an Achilles injury limited him in the offseason, according to manager Arne Slot. "Joe Gomez is definitely one of them, but for him to already play 20 minutes. That is already quite a lot. I wouldn't say he has had a setback, but he wasn't able to train three days in a row completely with the team. This is completely normal when you have been out for so long. He is training with the team, so let's see where he is and if he can be involved on Monday. You cannot prepare for two injuries in one position."