Liverpool endure double damage blow as star limps off in nightmare worldwide break
Cody Gakpo was forced off inside 16 minutes against Serbia as Liverpool await a diagnosis, while Alexander Isak has withdrawn from Sweden duty with a minor injury.
Cody Gakpo has sparked Liverpool injury fears after being forced off in the first-half against Serbia(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo has provided fresh injury worry after being forced off with an apparent ankle injury. The Dutchman was forced off inside 20 minutes after a challenge from Premier League rival Sasa Lukic.
Gakpo received the ball in the Serbia half and rode two challenges before being sent to the turf with a crunching slide tackle from the Ipswich Town midfielder. The 27-year-old tried to run it off but went down off the ball some minutes later, signalling to the bench that he was unable to continue.
It marks a horrendous day for Liverpool after it was confirmed that a minor injury has forced Alexander Isak to miss the rest of the international break.
Cody Gakpo was forced off(Image: Getty Images)
Subject to the seriousness of Gakpo’s complaint, he could be absent for the next two fixtures against Greece (October 1) before the return meeting with Serbia in the final international encounter before club football returns.
The former PSV Eindhoven star has been in excellent form under new boss Andoni Iraola with two goals and four assists across all competitions under the Basque coach. Three of his assists have arrived in the Premier League, two for Isak during the 2-0 victory over Ipswich on September 4.
Liverpool face the alarming prospect of injuries to their attacking players, leaving them severely short in forward positions, with Victor Munoz, Rio Ngumoha and Bradley Barcola amongst the only recognised wide options for the Reds.
Xavi greeting Cody Gakpo after he was forced off injured(Image: Getty Images)
Gakpo appeared destined to depart Liverpool during the summer transfer window before the club intervened to prevent a move to Manchester City.
However, they had set their sights on Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr for a potential switch to the North West, although neither came to fruition.
Liverpool’s medical team now face a tense wait for the diagnosis of the Liverpool forward’s injury with the upcoming clash against City on the horizon.
It’s been a bad weekend for Liverpool with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo sparking injury concerns(Image: Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca’s squad will make their way to Anfield for an eagerly anticipated encounter following the return of club football after the international break.
However, new worries have emerged regarding Gakpo and Isak. In a statement, the club confirmed that a minor injury has cut short the Swede’s stint with Graham Potter’s team.
The statement read: “Alexander Isak is to return to Liverpool from international duty due to a minor injury.
“The striker will not be involved in Sweden’s three remaining fixtures in the current international break and will now be assessed by club medical staff at the AXA Training Centre.”
