Cody Gakpo injury: Liverpool forward forced off after 17 minutes with left ankle issue
Cody Gakpo lasted only 17 minutes of the Netherlands' match against Serbia in Belgrade on Monday, signalling he could not continue after a heavy Sasa Lukic challenge. The Liverpool forward held his left ankle as medical staff assessed the damage. He was replaced by Ruben van Bommel.
- Match: Serbia vs Netherlands, international friendly
- Venue: Belgrade
- Incident: Heavy challenge by Sasa Lukic after 12 minutes; Lukic booked
- Substitution: Gakpo off after 17 minutes, replaced by Ruben van Bommel
- Injury: Left ankle, severity unknown
- Context: Liverpool face Manchester City, LASK and Brentford next
Injury and availability
Cody Gakpo: Withdrawn after 17 minutes with a left ankle problem, having received treatment on the pitch. The severity of the injury is not yet known.
Alexander Isak: Has already left Sweden's camp with a thigh problem. The extent of his absence is unclear.
Jeremie Frimpong: Was left out of the Netherlands matchday squad altogether against Serbia. It remains unclear whether the decision was tactical or physical.
Gakpo's bright form before the setback
Gakpo came into the Serbia match in decent touch. In the Netherlands' previous outing, he scored an injury-time equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Germany. That made this start significant, and his early withdrawal all the more concerning for Liverpool.
He had started for the second time in this international break, and the game was still goalless when his night ended. After Lukic's challenge on 12 minutes, Gakpo attempted to carry on. Five minutes later he went to ground, received treatment and was replaced.
What was said
"It was a difficult summer for me, and my family, and everything surrounding football and life."
"It's a very long story. The summer was very tough regarding everything. I just let everything be and see how it came and it worked out in this way, which now it is what it is."
"We have to do the things we can control to the best of our ability. That's the only thing I can do and the rest is out of our hands. If I have no control over the situation, I will not worry. I just do my job."
These quotes offer a window into Gakpo's state of mind after a summer in which he was linked with both Tottenham and Manchester City. They also underline his determination to focus on what he can influence on the pitch.
His immediate concern, however, is the left ankle. The challenge from Lukic was robust enough to earn the Serbia midfielder a booking, and Gakpo's reaction was instant enough to force his withdrawal shortly after.
Why Gakpo's absence would hurt Liverpool
This is the last thing Andoni Iraola wants as Liverpool head into an important run of fixtures against Manchester City, LASK and Brentford. The margin for disruption is slim, and Gakpo has become an important option in attack. His versatility across the front line gives Liverpool flexibility in a squad already dealing with enough uncertainty.
With Isak already out with a thigh problem and Frimpong left out of the Netherlands squad, Liverpool's attacking depth is being tested. If Gakpo joins Isak on the sidelines, the manager's options for the City clash — and the Europa League tie with LASK — would be significantly reduced.
The timing could hardly be worse. The visit of Manchester City is the headline fixture in the upcoming run, and any absence would force a re-think of the forward line. Whether Gakpo is fit enough to feature will depend on the results of medical checks in the coming days.
Talking points
- Should international friendlies carry greater protection for key players? Lukic's challenge was robust enough for a booking, but Gakpo's ankle took the toll.
- Liverpool's squad depth is again under scrutiny. With Isak also out, the attack looks thin for the City game.
- Was Frimpong's omission from the Netherlands squad precautionary or a sign of a deeper problem? Liverpool need clarity fast.
- Gakpo's summer links to Tottenham and Man City are now background noise. His focus, as he said, is on what he can control.
What happens next
Liverpool will assess Gakpo's left ankle upon his return to Merseyside. The club's next fixture is against Manchester City, followed by LASK in Europe and then Brentford. The results of scans will determine whether he can feature in that crucial run.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cody Gakpo injured?
Yes, he was forced off after 17 minutes for the Netherlands against Serbia with a left ankle issue following a heavy Sasa Lukic challenge.
Who replaced Gakpo against Serbia?
Ruben van Bommel came on for Gakpo after 17 minutes in Belgrade.
Will Gakpo miss Liverpool's next game?
His availability is unknown. Liverpool will assess the injury, and any absence would be a significant blow for the run of fixtures against Manchester City, LASK and Brentford.
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