Cody Gakpo Returns to Liverpool for Ankle Checks After Netherlands Injury
Liverpool have confirmed Cody Gakpo will return to Merseyside for medical checks after an ankle problem forced him out of the Netherlands squad for the rest of the international break.
Key takeaways
- Gakpo left the Netherlands camp on Monday to begin his recovery.
- The forward was hurt early in the Nations League match against Serbia in Belgrade.
- Sasa Lukic was booked after the challenge involving the 27-year-old.
- No replacement has been added to the Dutch squad for its final two fixtures.
- Liverpool face a wait over Gakpo’s fitness ahead of the October 11 home game against Manchester City.
Netherlands stay with current options
Gakpo started against Serbia but was unable to continue after the heavy tackle from Lukic. Initial indications from the Dutch camp point to an ankle issue, although the severity will not be known until he undergoes further scans in England.
The Netherlands have opted against calling up another player despite losing one of their leading attacking options. The coaching staff believe there is enough cover in the existing group, with Ruben van Bommel pushing for a place after an impressive substitute appearance on Sunday.
Noa Lang is also available as an alternative on the left side of the attack. The Dutch next travel to Thessaloniki to play Greece on Thursday, before completing their October programme at PSV’s Philips Stadion in Eindhoven.
Liverpool await assessment
Gakpo will be assessed by Liverpool’s medical staff at the AXA Training Centre after flying back from international duty. His absence would be a significant concern for Andoni Iraola, with the attacker an important outlet in the final third.
The immediate question for Liverpool is whether the Netherlands international can recover in time for next Sunday’s major Premier League meeting with Manchester City at Anfield. Liverpool are aiming to remain at the top of the table, and the club will seek clarity on Gakpo’s condition before the October 11 fixture.
