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Joe Gomez will take the next step on the comeback trail with an appearance for Liverpool U23s tonight.

The England Under-21s international, who was sidelined for 13 months with a cruciate ligament injury, will line up for Michael Beale’s side against Burnley in the Lancashire Senior Cup tie at the Academy (7pm kick-off).

It will be the 19-year-old defender’s first taste of competitive action since he started against FC Sion in the Europa League at Anfield on October 1 2015.

Gomez returned to full training last month and got an outing in a behind closed doors friendly against Accrington at Melwood during the recent international break.

“It was a tough year for me, but it meant a lot to get my first minutes on the pitch,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“It was a long time away from it. It was a relief to get playing again. I dreamt of it for a long time, as you can imagine, so it was good.

“After a long-term injury, you’ve got to be careful with how far you push it. I’ve just got to be patient and build up my minutes, gradually taking my time getting back to full fitness. It’s all part of the journey.”

Gomez is excited about the prospect of helping Jurgen Klopp’s side maintain a challenge at the top end of the Premier League over the coming months.

“The way the team is playing, it is the sort of team you want to play for,” he added.

“It’s going to make it a challenge to get back in and around it. It’s a great team to play for and that’s what you aspire to do.”