Liverpool supporters have been left with big smiles on their faces after young Joe Gomez returned to action for the first time in just over a year.Supporters of the Reds are already on cloud nine given that their club are at the top of the Premier League table following a nine-game unbeaten run, but now they have something else to be cheerful about.Nineteen-year-old defender Gomez played 45 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly with Accrington Stanley at Melwood yesterday, stepping up his recovery since suffering cruciate ligament damage in October last year.There was plenty of hype over the teenager when he joined Brendan Rodgers' team from Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2015. He impressed in pre-season and slotted in comfortably, despite making the daunting move to a club of Liverpool's calibre at his age.However, he never got the chance to establish himself in the first team as he made five Premier League appearances before being struck down with a knee injury.Gomez can play at centre-back and at full-back on either side, so his return could come as a timely boost as Liverpool have struggled for strength in defensive areas.James Milner is currently operating in his unfavourable position of left-back due to the defensive frailties of Alberto Moreno, but if Gomez can get back to full fitness, he could be pushing for a starting spot under manager Jurgen Klopp.After making his return to action yesterday, Liverpool fans were full of support for the teen on Twitter...

Meanwhile, Gomez's teammate Lucas Leiva has also had his say on the defender's return to action...

 

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