Liverpool head coach Arne SLot has provided the injury latest ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash at home to Southampton
Comments
Sport
Arne Slot speaks at his Liverpool press conference this morning
Arne Slot speaks at his Liverpool press conference this morning
Arne Slot has confirmed that Cody Gakpo remains an injury doubt for Liverpool after sitting out the midweek trip to Paris Saint-Germain. Gakpo had only recently returned after suffering a knock in last month’s Merseyside derby but picked up a further issue in training earlier this week.
Sitting out open training as a result, the forward was included in the Reds’ travelling squad for the Champions League trip to Paris. But the Dutchman was not declared fit enough to play.
Article continues below
Liverpool are back in Premier League action at home to Southampton on Saturday and Slot has revealed that Gakpo is yet to return to training.
READ MORE: PSG dressing room say same thing after being stunned by Liverpool - they could live to regret itREAD MORE: Newcastle United confirm Anthony Gordon appeal decision for Carabao Cup final vs Liverpool
While not ruled out entirely of facing the Saints, the Reds head coach admitted the Netherlands international was still in pain, but insisted even if he does miss this weekend’s match, he will not be a long-term absentee.
“He didn’t train yesterday yet so let’s see if he can train with us today,” Slot said. “Again, close call. It’s not a long term injury.
“But, yeah, he still had a bit of pain yesterday so was not able to train. Let’s see where he is today so I can give you the answer.”
Meanwhile, Slot revealed that Joe Gomez's lay-off is expected to last three months, after aggravating a previous hamstring injury against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup last month.
The England international subsequently underwent surgery and Slot previously shared that Liverpool were hopeful the centre-back could return before the end of the season.
The Reds have not been stung as much as the likes of Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City on the injury front this season. But Slot dismissed suggestions that his side have been lucky as they look to build a 16-point lead at the top of the table on Saturday.
“If you think injuries are only a part of luck or bad luck then we’ve been lucky,” he said. “But we’ve tried to believe in the fact that we try to prevent them from a certain way of working so we don’t have many injuries.
“I don’t see that as luck. I see it as, first of all, top professionals. Our players do everything to stay fit. And second of all, great facilities and a great staff.
“But you need to show this over a longer period of time to consider it luck or bad luck. If we can continue doing this for years without many big injuries, then it’s probably also quality.
“Although, you cannot go through a season in the Premier League and in the Champions League and all these cups we play in this country without any injuries. I’ve said it before, Diogo Jota has been out for three or four months without a start.
“Alisson Becker has been out for weeks, maybe even months. Trent has been out, Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez is out now for three months.
Article continues below
“So we also have our injuries so, yeah, you cannot go through a season without an injury. It is more the amount of injuries you hopefully try to prevent.
“It could be luck but I hope that we do things in the right way. That it’s not only luck, but it is also doing things in the right way.”