Liverpool Sweat on Cody Gakpo After Early Netherlands Injury Exit
Cody Gakpo’s evening in Belgrade ended after 17 minutes when the Liverpool forward was forced off with an ankle problem while on Netherlands duty.
The 26-year-old had been on the receiving end of a forceful challenge from Sasa Lukic five minutes earlier. He initially tried to continue, but alerted the bench soon afterwards and received treatment on the pitch before Ruben van Bommel replaced him.
Quick facts
- Gakpo was injured 12 minutes into the match in Belgrade and substituted in the 17th minute.
- The forward was seen holding his ankle before receiving medical attention.
- Alexander Isak has also left the Sweden squad with a thigh injury.
- Jeremie Frimpong was absent from the most recent matchday group, with no confirmed reason given.
- Liverpool’s post-break schedule includes Manchester City, Brentford and LASK.
Gakpo’s condition will be assessed in full after the match, with Netherlands manager Xavi expected to provide an update. Liverpool will be hoping the issue proves minor ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
The injury concern adds to an already difficult period for Liverpool. Isak departed the Sweden camp on Saturday night because of a thigh complaint, while Frimpong’s omission from the latest squad has not yet been explained.
Before the international break, Gakpo had addressed a difficult summer and his decision to remain at Liverpool amid talk of possible moves to Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester City. He said the period had been hard on both himself and his family, but stressed that his focus was on matters within his control.
“I can only do my work,” Gakpo said, explaining that he would not dwell on circumstances he could not influence. “The rest is beyond our hands.”
Liverpool return to action with significant Premier League tests against Manchester City and Brentford, as well as a European meeting with LASK. The extent of Gakpo’s ankle injury could therefore become a key issue as the club prepares for the next phase of its schedule.
