Liverpool have suffered another injury concern during the international break after Cody Gakpo was forced off with an ankle injury during the Netherlands’ Nations League meeting with Serbia. The forward lasted less than 20 minutes in Belgrade before being substituted, adding to the growing list of fitness concerns facing Liverpool ahead of a demanding schedule.
Gakpo had started the match for the Netherlands but was unable to continue after being involved in a heavy challenge from Serbia midfielder Sasa Lukic. The extent of the problem remains unclear, leaving Liverpool waiting for further medical assessment before determining how long the forward could be unavailable.
Ankle Injury Forces Gakpo Off Against Serbia
Gakpo started the match in Belgrade but lasted only 17 minutes before being replaced by Ruben van Bommel.
The Liverpool forward was involved in a heavy tackle from Lukic after 12 minutes. Although he initially attempted to continue playing, Gakpo began experiencing enough discomfort to signal towards the Netherlands bench five minutes later.
He eventually went down and received treatment, with the forward pictured holding his ankle before medical staff attended to him.
Gakpo was then substituted, bringing a premature end to his involvement in the match.
The timing of the injury will concern Liverpool, particularly because the forward had been an important attacking option for the club. The available report does not provide a diagnosis or indicate how long Gakpo could be sidelined, meaning further medical examinations will be required before his condition becomes clearer.
Netherlands manager Xavi is expected to provide an update following the match.
For Liverpool, the immediate hope will be that the ankle injury is not serious enough to prevent Gakpo from returning to club action after the international break.
Liverpool’s Injury Concerns Continue
Gakpo’s setback adds to an increasingly difficult international break for Liverpool.
Alexander Isak has already left the Sweden camp after suffering a thigh injury, creating another concern for the Premier League club. The Swedish striker’s withdrawal came before Gakpo’s latest setback, meaning Liverpool now have multiple attacking players facing fitness questions.
There was also uncertainty surrounding Jeremie Frimpong, who was omitted from the Netherlands’ latest matchday squad. The available report does not confirm that his absence was injury-related, so the situation surrounding the defender remains unclear.
The growing list of players injured this international break is therefore becoming an important concern for clubs across Europe, with Liverpool particularly affected by the latest developments.
Gakpo’s injury is especially significant because Liverpool face an intense period immediately after the international break. The club are scheduled to play Manchester City and Brentford in the Premier League, while also having a European fixture against LASK.
A lengthy absence for Gakpo would therefore create another selection problem at a demanding stage of the season.
Gakpo Had Committed Future to Liverpool
The injury comes shortly after Gakpo reflected on a difficult summer and his decision to remain focused on Liverpool.
The forward had been linked with potential moves involving Tottenham and Manchester City, but he ultimately stayed at Anfield and continued with the club.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Gakpo described the summer as a difficult period for himself and his family while explaining his approach to dealing with uncertainty.
“It was a difficult summer for me, and my family, and everything surrounding football and life,” Gakpo said.
The Liverpool forward explained that he had chosen to focus on the aspects of his career that remained within his control rather than becoming distracted by matters he could not influence.
“We have to do the things we can control to the best of our ability. That’s the only thing I can do and the rest is out of our hands,” he added.
Gakpo’s focus was therefore firmly on his football and his responsibilities at Liverpool. His latest setback is now an issue that neither he nor the club can control until the medical assessment is completed.
What Next for Liverpool?
Liverpool will now wait for more information about Gakpo’s condition before deciding how to manage his return.
The forward’s early departure from the Netherlands’ match means there is not yet enough information to determine the seriousness of the problem. A full assessment will be required to establish the extent of the injury and whether he will be available when club football resumes.
For Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, the timing could hardly be more inconvenient. The club face Manchester City and Brentford in the Premier League, alongside their European meeting with LASK, immediately after the international break.
The possibility of having Gakpo, Isak or other players unavailable could therefore place greater pressure on the rest of the squad.
For now, Liverpool will hope that the forward’s early withdrawal proves to have been a precaution rather than the beginning of a lengthy absence. The club will await the Netherlands’ medical update before making any decisions of their own.
Gakpo’s situation also underlines the wider frustration clubs face during international breaks. Players can leave their teams healthy and return with injuries that disrupt carefully planned domestic campaigns.
Liverpool will now be hoping that Gakpo’s ankle injury is minor and that the forward can return quickly as the club prepares for one of the most demanding stretches of its season.
