Liverpool face a nervous wait regarding the fitness of forward Cody Gakpo, who has been forced to withdraw from the Netherlands squad due to an ankle injury sustained during international duty. The forward picked up the issue in the 17th minute of a UEFA Nations League match against Serbia on Sunday, September 27, 2026, prompting an early exit and a swift return to Merseyside for medical evaluation.
Early Exit in Belgrade Disrupts Oranje Campaign
Gakpo’s setback occurred in Belgrade during his second start under newly appointed Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez. Having previously rescued a draw for his country with an injury-time equalizer against Germany on September 25, 2026, the winger managed only 17 minutes against Serbia before being substituted for Ruben van Bommel. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed an ankle problem, leading national team staff to release him from the remaining fixtures of the international window.
AXA Training Centre Tests Await Winger
Liverpool confirmed the development through their official club channels, stating that the player would not participate in the team’s remaining two international fixtures. The club announced that Gakpo would return immediately to the AXA Training Centre for comprehensive assessments by the Merseyside club’s medical staff. Initial projections from ESPN indicate that the winger faces a minimum absence of two weeks.
October Schedule Tests Iraola’s Squad Depth
The timing of the injury presents a significant challenge for manager Andoni Iraola as Liverpool prepares for a demanding fixture block in October. The Reds are scheduled to contest six matches across three different competitions once domestic action resumes, testing the depth of a squad currently sitting sixth in the Premier League table with nine points from five matches.
Gakpo has established himself as a vital component of Iraola’s starting lineup, featuring from the opening whistle in all six of Liverpool’s fixtures across all competitions this season and contributing two goals alongside four assists. His potential unavailability threatens to disrupt the team’s attacking rhythm as they seek to improve their early-season domestic standing.
Manchester City Visit Looms on October 11
The immediate concern centers on a Premier League clash against Manchester City on October 11, 2026. Liverpool’s October calendar includes league encounters with Brighton, two UEFA Champions League fixtures against LASK and Villarreal, and a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Chelsea.
With only two wins from their opening five league outings despite remaining undefeated, Iraola’s side requires stability in the final third. The club’s medical team will monitor Gakpo’s rehabilitation closely over the coming days to determine whether the forward can recover in time to feature in the matches ahead.
Worth a look
