Thick scar on 23-year-old Liverpool star's knee after surgery looks worse every time you see it

Joe Gomez had surgery to correct damage to a tendon in his knee and every time you see the resulting scar, it looks more and more awful.

The good news is that Gomez and Virgil van Dijk continued their rehabilitation from long-term knee injuries as they trained outside at Kirkby. They've missed the entire season but it's so good to see them back on their feet.

Their absence has been debilitating this term, with Liverpool failing to defend their Premier League crown.

Manchester City are closing in on their third title in four years and it's frustrating to think things could have been different without the injuries that have been suffered this season.

A statement on the official Liverpool website reads: "The Liverpool defenders were conducting exercises outside at the AXA Training Centre, including work with the ball, as part of their ongoing recoveries.

"No timescale has been placed on a return for either Van Dijk or Gomez, who have been sidelined since the first half of the season."

Looking at the images, it's clear just how terrible Gomez's knee injury was just purely by the size of the gigantic scar that stretches from above his knee to the bottom of the knee cap.

It will be fascinating to see how his luck with injuries fares after he returns and the hope from all connected with the club will be that he avoids any further setbacks in the year following his return.

Gomez has already undergone surgery four times since joining the club which is incredible given that he's still only 23. He's had two knee surgeries and two ankle surgeries which is a huge shame as, without them, he'd likely be the undisputed best young defender on the planet.

Virgil van Dijk's return to fitness is even more exciting than his younger teammate's but the club is quietly hoping he isn't fit in time to travel with the Netherlands to the Euros this summer.

With the 29-year-old only just recovering from his ACL rupture, Liverpool are worried he could suffer an injury this summer and jeopardise their chances of success ahead of next season.

His leadership and impeccable defending are crucial to Liverpool returning to the top of the Premier League table and any chance they have of winning the Champions League again.