It is the notification every Liverpool manager dreads when players head out on international duty. Just as Andoni Iraola was mapping out his strategy for an intense sequence of seven matches in 20 days, the club’s AXA Training Centre in Kirkby has suddenly turned into a treatment room priority zone.
The latest blow arrived on Sunday evening in Belgrade. [Cody Gakpo](https://live4liverpool.com/manager-provides-significant-verdict-on-severity-of-liverpool-winger-cody-gakpos-injury/) one of Liverpool’s standout performers during an encouraging start to the campaign was forced off after just 17 minutes during the Netherlands’ 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Serbia.
### Heavy Challenge Triggers Immediate Concern
The incident occurred early in the contest when a heavy tackle from Saša Luki? upended the forward in the middle of the pitch. While Gakpo initially attempted to play through the impact, the problem rapidly escalated, forcing him to signal to the bench once the ball drifted out of play.
The pain was immediately visible as the Dutchman grimaced while clutching his right lower leg near the ankle. The medical staff rushed onto the pitch, but it quickly became clear his night was over, with Ruben van Bommel called upon to replace him.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, newly appointed Netherlands manager Xavi Hernández offered an initial assessment:
> **“It’s his ankle, that’s all I know. Tomorrow we will know, but hopefully it’s not too important.”**
However, the outlook quickly darkened following Monday morning’s scan results in the Netherlands, with [initial reports](https://x.com/RikElfrink/status/2104553877412749793?s=20) indicating the forward is facing a spell on the sidelines that could last several weeks
### Liverpool Confirm Early Return to AXA Training Centre
Having scored in the Dutch’s 1-1 draw with Germany on Thursday in Xavi’s first match in charge, Gakpo’s early withdrawal was confirmed via an official club statement released on Liverpool’s website:
> **“Cody Gakpo has withdrawn from international duty for the Netherlands after sustaining an ankle injury.**
>
> **The forward had to be substituted during the first half of his country’s 2-1 win against Serbia on Sunday evening.**
>
> **He will not participate in the Dutch’s remaining two fixtures of the current international period. Gakpo will now return to Liverpool for further assessment by the club’s medical staff at the AXA Training Centre.”**
The Dutch FA echoed that confirmation, ruling the 27-year-old out of their remaining autumn fixtures against Greece in Thessaloniki and the return fixture against Serbia.
### Front Line Options Stretched Thin Before Manchester City
For Iraola, the timing could hardly be worse. Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, marking the start of a grueling autumn schedule, and Gakpo’s setback leaves the attack severely depleted.
The Dutchman’s statistical contribution has been vital: two goals and four assists across all competitions so far, including a key equaliser during the 2-2 opening-day draw against Newcastle United.
Gakpo’s return home adds to existing concerns surrounding Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward was forced to leave national team duty after manager Graham Potter confirmed he picked up a minor issue:
**He’s got a small problem with his thigh. It’s not a big one but because of the amount of games we’ve got in a small space of time, he won’t be able to make those.”**
With Hugo Ekitike currently a long-term absentee recovering from an Achilles injury, options in the central and wide attacking positions are running short. While Iraola previously indicated that Federico Chiesa could rejoin full team training during the break, placing heavy minutes on the Italian in a match of this magnitude carries clear physical risks.