Andoni Iraola reacts as Joe Gomez injury hits Liverpool

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has admitted Joe Gomez's injury was the biggest disappointment of his first match in charge after the defender limped off during the Reds' 4-2 pre-season victory over Sunderland.

Although Liverpool made a winning start under their new head coach in Nashville, Gomez's early withdrawal has intensified concerns over the club's defensive depth ahead of the new Premier League season.

The experienced defender suffered an injury just seven minutes into the match and was unable to continue after receiving treatment on the pitch.

Gomez was replaced by 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe, with Liverpool's medical staff now expected to assess the extent of the problem.

The setback continues a frustrating run of injuries for the England international, who has struggled for consistent fitness over recent seasons.

Speaking after the match, Iraola admitted Gomez's injury was the worst possible outcome from Liverpool's opening pre-season fixture.

"Probably the worst news has been straight away the injury of Joe [Gomez]," the Spaniard said.

"We were happy because we were kind of going through all the training without losing any player. Unluckily for us, straight away we've lost Joe."

The Liverpool boss also explained why new signing Jeremy Jacquet was unavailable.

"With Jeremy (Jacquet), we decided to take it easy with him. He has been a lot of months without playing with a shoulder injury.

"So, I think we are going to take it easy with him. He will play probably the last game of this US tour and he will have time to have minutes."

Gomez's injury further stretches Liverpool's defensive resources.

Jacquet is still working his way back to full fitness following a shoulder injury, while Giovanni Leoni remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury.

With Virgil van Dijk yet to return for pre-season following his extended summer break, Iraola has very limited senior options available in central defence.

The latest setback could increase speculation that Liverpool may revisit the transfer market before the window closes.

Despite the injury concern, Liverpool produced an encouraging attacking display to defeat Sunderland 4-2.

Dominik Szoboszlai, who recently signed a new long-term contract, opened the scoring before further goals from Kieran Morrison, Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas secured victory.

Timur Tutierov and Enzo Le Fée found the net for Sunderland in an entertaining contest.

Reflecting on the performance, Iraola said:

"It was difficult to put rhythm into the game. I think both teams were lacking some freshness and it was also humid. The pitch was quite slow."

Liverpool will monitor Joe Gomez's injury over the coming days while continuing their pre-season tour of the United States. Iraola will also hope to welcome Jeremy Jacquet back to match action before the tour concludes as the Reds prepare for the start of the Premier League campaign.