Liverpool Handed Cody Gakpo Injury Blow Ahead of Man City Clash
Liverpool have been handed another injury concern ahead of their huge Premier League meeting with Manchester City after Cody Gakpo was forced off while representing the Netherlands.
The forward was unable to finish the Netherlands’ Nations League clash with Serbia after suffering a knock to his lower left leg following a late challenge from Serbian midfielder Saša Lukić.
Gakpo went down after the heavy contact and required treatment from the medical team. Although Lukić appeared to make contact with the ball first, his sliding challenge also caught the Liverpool attacker, leaving him struggling to continue.
The 27-year-old attempted to carry on but was eventually substituted, with the extent of the injury still to be determined. Liverpool are now waiting for further medical assessments before knowing whether Gakpo will be available when he returns to Merseyside.
The timing of the setback will be particularly concerning for Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, with Manchester City due to visit Anfield immediately after the international break.
Gakpo has been an important attacking outlet for Liverpool this season, contributing both goals and creativity from the forward line. His potential absence would therefore leave the Reds facing another selection headache at a crucial stage of the campaign.
The concern is made greater by the fitness situation surrounding Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker was also forced to withdraw from international duty after suffering a thigh problem during Sweden’s Nations League campaign.
Isak has already returned to Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre to begin his assessment and recovery. Sweden boss Graham Potter indicated that the injury is not expected to be a long-term issue, but it was still serious enough to prevent the striker from continuing with the national team.
Liverpool could therefore enter their showdown with Manchester City without two key attacking options.
The club will now be hoping that Gakpo’s injury proves to be minor and that he can recover in time for the Anfield encounter. Further medical checks should provide a clearer indication of his availability in the coming days.
