Liverpool assess Cody Gakpo after adductor issue sidelines him against Atletico

Liverpool will assess Cody Gakpo over the next 48 hours after adductor discomfort ruled the forward out of their 2-1 Champions League league-phase win against Atletico. The Dutch international was not included in the matchday squad after being unable to take part in Tuesday’s training session.

Gakpo managing pain in both adductors

Head coach Iraola said Gakpo does not have a major injury, but felt enough discomfort in both adductors after his previous full match to make him unavailable against Atletico.

• Gakpo missed Liverpool’s Champions League opener against Atletico entirely.
• The issue emerged after he completed 90 minutes in his last appearance.
• Liverpool had expected him to be available for the European tie, but his condition did not improve sufficiently.
• The club do not regard the problem as a long-term concern, although the short recovery window has complicated selection plans.

Iraola said he hoped Gakpo could return for Fulham, but could not offer a firm guarantee. He explained that the concern was not a “proper injury”, yet the player had finished the previous game with problems in both adductor areas.

The manager added that Liverpool’s next fixture comes only two and a half days after the Atletico match, leaving little time for treatment and recovery.

Strong start halted after Ipswich display

The absence interrupts an encouraging opening to the season for Gakpo under his new manager. He has contributed one goal and three assists across his first three appearances of the campaign.

His most recent outing came on Friday evening, when he played the entire match in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Ipswich Town. Gakpo created both goals for Alexander Isak in that victory before the adductor issue emerged.

Fulham decision to follow recovery checks

Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday to face Fulham in the league, and the medical staff will monitor Gakpo closely before a decision is made on his involvement.

Iraola stressed that recovery would be the priority following the Atletico victory, with several players requiring checks after a demanding night.

• Conor Bradley’s condition will be reviewed after the match.
• Gakpo could still feature against Fulham if he responds well enough to treatment.
• Rio and Victor are among the alternatives available should changes be required.
• The manager praised the effort of the squad against Atletico but said Liverpool must regroup quickly for another important home game.

For now, Gakpo remains a doubt rather than a confirmed absentee for Fulham, with Liverpool hoping the brief break between fixtures is enough for the forward to return.