NewsJoe Gomez interview: Return from injury, Brighton tie and Wataru Endo appreciation

Liverpool face Premier League opposition in the fourth round on Saturday night, welcoming Fabian Hurzeler's side to Anfield.

Gomez returned from a three-match injury absence with an appearance off the bench in the midweek win at Sunderland.

Looking ahead to the tie with the Seagulls, the No.2 told Liverpoolfc.com: "Always you try to prepare the best as possible and just make sure you're available for whatever the gaffer decides.

"Obviously we want to have the best cup run possible and we all have to be ready for that.

"Domestically, we've not had the easiest of seasons and I think this is a good chance for us to try to have a successful campaign.

"The FA Cup is such a historic trophy and I think trying to go as far as we can is obviously going to be the aim. Hopefully we can get the win."

Gomez's second-half outing against the Black Cats on Wednesday evening came as a result of the injury to Wataru Endo.

The Japan international is now facing 'quite a long time' out on the sidelines, according to Arne Slot.

"I'm gutted for Wata," Gomez continued. "He's such a treasured part of this squad and we appreciate him so much.

"Who he is as a person and how he plays, I think that showed in him trying to carry on.

"I think we all know that it's such a frustrating part of the game and we know how hard he'll work to come back stronger.

"Hopefully he comes back as soon as possible and has a chance to go to the World Cup."

The character displayed by Endo and the rest of his teammates saw Liverpool become the first team to win at the Stadium of Light in the league this season.

And the nature of the victory, secured with Virgil van Dijk's 61st-minute header, was particularly pleasing for Gomez.

The defender said: "They've proven it's an extremely tough place to go, hence the record that they had. A hard-fought 1-0 win is very satisfying coming away from there.

"I think it shows resilience, grit and concentration from the boys to keep a clean sheet.

"Those ones are sometimes sweeter when you come away and know that you've earned it for every minute of the game."

It offered a timely boost in confidence ahead of this cup meeting with Brighton, who won away at Manchester United in round three.

The shot in the arm provided by the result on Wearside and a Saturday night under the floodlights in L4 is something the Reds want to make the most of.

"An 8pm [kick-off], it replicates Champions League nights in many ways and we know what they're like," Gomez finished. "Hopefully we can use the atmosphere to give us the energy to get to the next round."