Liverpool’s problems are growing at the worst possible time. On the eve of their Champions League trip to Inter Milan, Arne Slot confirmed a new injury setback. Cody Gakpo will be out for “a few weeks” after picking up a knock at the weekend. With Mohamed Salah absent and Federico Chiesa also unavailable. Liverpool travels to Italy short in attack and under heavy pressure.
🚨⚠️ Arne Slot: “Cody Gakpo will be out for few weeks, he’s injured”.
“Federico Chiesa is out today because he’s ill”. pic.twitter.com/sXgwoRxuIu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 8, 2025
Arne Slot failed to show consistency
Liverpool’s season has lacked stability. Their 3–3 draw against Leeds United summed up the key problems. Good moments were followed by mistakes and missed chances. The noise around the club grew after Mohamed Salah’s post-match comments raised doubts about his future.
Against this backdrop, Liverpool now faces Inter Milan in a crucial Champions League tie. Progress in Europe still matters, especially with domestic form slipping. Injuries and off-field issues have reduced Slot’s options. That leaves little room for error at a tough venue like the San Siro.
Why Inter Milan Are a Tough Test
Inter Milan are one of the strongest teams in Europe at home. The San Siro is a difficult place to play, especially on Champions League nights. Inter stay compact in defense and rarely lose their shape. They press at the right moments and force mistakes. Their midfield is strong, disciplined, and hard to break down. Up front, they take chances with speed and confidence. Inter also has deep European experience and knows how to control big games. For a Liverpool side short on attackers, this is a very demanding challenge.
Arne Slot Confirms Liverpool Injury Before Inter Milan Game
Arne Slot confirmed the injury during his pre-match press conference on Monday. Cody Gakpo picked up a problem at Elland Road and will miss several weeks. The Dutch forward has struggled for form this season. Even so, his absence still weakens Liverpool’s attacking depth.
Slot has already admitted that Gakpo “struggled” in recent outings, including a difficult display against Sunderland. Still, losing him now creates a bigger problem. Federico Chiesa is also out with illness, and Mohamed Salah did not travel to Italy.
Liverpool now has very few natural options on the left. Their only specialist wide player there is 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha. He has looked confident in short first-team appearances. Still, asking him to start such a big game carries clear risks.
Slot may have to improvise once again. Florian Wirtz has played wide before. Hugo Ekitike has also filled that role at times. Curtis Jones is another option. However, none offer an easy or natural solution.
🚨 SUPER BIG MATCH #UCL ⚽
Inter Milan vs Liverpool
Kick Off 03.00 WIB
Live SCTV 📺
Head to Head (4 pertemuan terakhir):
• Liverpool 0-1 Inter
• Inter 0-2 Liverpool
• Inter 0-1 Liverpool
• Liverpool 2-0 Inter
Inter lagi on fire dengan total 11 gol dari 3 laga terakhir.… pic.twitter.com/OOanE2IlLS
— Extra Time Indonesia (@idextratime) December 9, 2025
Fans showing nerves
Liverpool fans reacted with frustration online. Many called the injury “terrible timing” given the team’s situation. Some mentioned Gakpo’s uneven form this season. Still, most agreed his absence adds more doubt. Fans are also debating whether Ngumoha should start such a big game. Many feel it is a risky ask for a teenager. Supporters remain hopeful, but they are cautious. They know the margin for error is getting smaller.
Liverpool’s suffering from injury will continue.
Gakpo’s injury affects more than one match. Liverpool will play a long fixture list, and squad depth is already a matter of discussion. Slot may have to rely on players out of position or turn to younger options sooner than planned. The situation also highlights lingering concerns over Liverpool’s attacking balance. If injuries continue, questions around squad planning and depth will only grow louder as the season moves forward.
Author’s Opinion
In conclusion, how will Slot adapt without Cody Gakpo? Liverpool is in Milan with shorthand and searching for solutions. Who could shape Liverpool’s European campaign now? Slot has tough choices to make. The answers may offer a clear sign of how ready this squad is for pressure moments.
As featured on Walkon.com