Gakpo had already taken a heavy challenge earlier in the game, and it clearly affected him enough for the Dutch staff to take no chances.
The Liverpool forward lasted just 17 minutes before he had to leave the pitch, leaving supporters on Merseyside waiting for news about the severity of the problem.
Match Details and Initial Post-Match Assessment
Speaking after the game, Xavi gave an early update on the injury, though he was careful not to overstate it. “I don’t think so. It’s his ankle, that’s all I know. Tomorrow we will know, but hopefully it’s not too important,” he said.
That is about as much as anyone can say with certainty at this stage. Ankle injuries picked up on international duty can look worse in the moment than they turn out to be, but Liverpool will not know for sure until the scan results come back.
Liverpool Squad Impact and Tactical Options
Isak’s issue sounds precautionary rather than serious, which should mean a quicker return than whatever Gakpo is facing. Even so, having two attacking options touch down with fitness concerns in the same window is not ideal timing.
Losing Gakpo, even for a short spell, would sting. He has ranked among Liverpool’s more productive attackers this season, scoring two goals and setting up four more in all competitions. His most eye-catching contribution came in the opening-day 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, when he scored the equaliser and showed once again that he can deliver in the biggest moments.
His versatility across the front line has made him difficult to leave out, and any spell on the sidelines would test Liverpool’s attacking options during a demanding run of fixtures. The squad already faced that test during the recent away win at Bournemouth, while the latest Liverpool team news offers a glimpse at how the club has rotated its squad in recent weeks.
Liverpool can take some comfort from the news elsewhere. Alexander Isak will return to Merseyside after picking up a minor thigh issue on international duty. Graham Potter explained why he withdrew the striker: “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. Frustrating for him and obviously for us.”
Upcoming Timeline for Liverpool and Gakpo
The scan should give Liverpool’s medical staff a clearer picture within the next day or so. Until then, nobody can say with any certainty whether the Cody Gakpo injury will keep him out for days or weeks.
Isak, by contrast, is expected back in training relatively soon once the thigh issue settles down. Liverpool will assess both players individually as they build up to their next fixtures, and further updates on Gakpo’s recovery are likely once the scan findings are known.
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