Via Reuters
Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez has provided an update on the injury situation of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo after he was substituted against Serbia on Sunday.
Liverpool were hit with a potential injury blow on Sunday after Gakpo was substituted after just 17 minutes for the Netherlands, following a heavy challenge from Sasa Lukic.
With Alexander Isak withdrawing from the Sweden squad just hours before, it's looking like a difficult situation for Andoni Iraola.
The Liverpool manager has a lack of options in the centre-forward position at the moment, especially with Hugo Ekitike already out injured
With Isak and Ekitike potentially unavailable, Iraola may have been considering Gakpo in a centre-forward role, but he's the latest player to join the injury list.
Speaking to the media following their game against Serbia, Xavi has confirmed that he doesn't believe Gakpo's injury is serious.
The Athletic's James Pearce has confirmed that Gakpo will undergo a scan on Monday to establish the extent of an ankle injury. Xavi has also said they will find out the full extent on Monday.
“I don’t think so [if it's serious or not]. It’s his ankle, that’s all I know. Tomorrow [Monday] we will know, but hopefully it’s not too important.”
It's a huge boost for Liverpool that Gakpo's injury isn't believed to be serious, but they won't know the final diagnosis until Monday.
Thankfully for the Merseyside club, there is still plenty of time remaining until Liverpool return to action, so even a two-week injury shouldn't be a huge issue.
It will be a nervous wait for Iraola, Gakpo, Liverpool, and the Netherlands, and the former three will be desperately hoping that he's not involved for his country for the remaining games, even if the injury isn't anything serious.
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola
Gakpo could play key role in coming weeks
Annegret Hilse via Reuters
Even though Gakpo appeared to be looking as though he was heading through the exit door during the summer transfer window, he's been a key player under Iraola so far.
With Isak suffering an injury, there's every chance that Gakpo becomes more of a key player in the coming weeks, with the centre-forward position potentially up for grabs.
Gakpo feels like the most logical option to replace Isak, with Ekitike out injured, but it is unclear how long the Swedish forward will be out for.
Iraola will be hoping both Gakpo and Isak are fit and available, as it's a difficult run for Liverpool after the international break.