Liverpool have another international break problem, and this one matters. Cody Gakpo lasted only 17 minutes for the Netherlands against Serbia before signalling that he could not continue and leaving the pitch in Belgrade.
The forward had started for the second time in this break, but the game was still goalless when his night ended. The issue appeared to stem from a heavy challenge by Sasa Lukic after 12 minutes, a tackle that brought a booking for the Serbia midfielder. Gakpo tried to carry on, but five minutes later he was done. He went to ground, received treatment and was replaced by Ruben van Bommel. He was then seen holding his left ankle while medical staff checked the damage.
Liverpool injury concern grows
This is the last thing Andoni Iraola wants. Liverpool are heading into an important run of fixtures against Manchester City, LASK and Brentford, and the margin for disruption is slim. Gakpo has become an important option in attack, and any absence would reduce flexibility in a squad already dealing with enough uncertainty.
Photo: IMAGO
There is more to this than one substitution. Alexander Isak has already left Sweden’s camp with a thigh problem, while Jeremie Frimpong was left out of the Netherlands matchday squad altogether. Whether that was tactical or physical remains unclear, but from Liverpool’s point of view, the timing is poor.
Netherlands setback after bright form
Gakpo came into this match in decent touch. In the Netherlands’ previous outing, he scored an injury-time equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Germany. That made this start significant, and his early withdrawal all the more concerning.
Cody Gakpo focus remains clear
That uncertainty follows a summer in which Gakpo was linked with both Tottenham and Manchester City. He addressed that situation clearly earlier this week, saying: “It was a difficult summer for me, and my family, and everything surrounding football and life.”
He added: “It’s a very long story. The summer was…
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