On 2 August, Cole started his first Liverpool game for over a year, playing in the Europa League first leg qualifier victory over FC Gomel. He was substituted after just 23 minutes, being replaced by Raheem Sterling after tweaking his hamstrings. He was able to return as a substitute in Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion, but a repeat of a hamstring injury saw him limp off and replaced after only 11 minutes. Lol, poor Joe..