Liverpool are waiting anxiously on the fitness of Cody Gakpo after the forward was forced off during international duty with the Netherlands. The club is also drawing reassurance from Virgil van Dijk's earlier stance on keeping the player, which now looks vindicated by Gakpo's strong start to the season.
Gakpo injury concern
Gakpo was withdrawn after going down holding his ankle, having earlier been on the receiving end of a hefty challenge from Serbia's Sasa Lukic. Football injury analyst Physio Scout has outlined the concern, writing: "Scissor-tackle type mechanism forced Gakpo's ankle into eversion + external rotation. This mechanism raises concern for a syndesmosis/high ankle sprain. Scans will need to rule out any lower-leg fractures."
Netherlands boss Xavi said he hoped it was nothing too serious, but the player has now returned to Liverpool and the club should soon get a better idea of the situation.
Van Dijk's call rewarded
The injury news comes as Liverpool reap the benefits of holding on to Gakpo amid links to Tottenham and Manchester City. Van Dijk had spoken in August about the forward's future after the arrival of Bradley Barcola, saying: "What do you think? He's a quality player. I think we should keep quality players. Let's see what the next few days bring. I want him to stay not only because he's a quality player but also because he's a friend of mine. He's very important for us."
Gakpo already has two goals and four assists in just six club appearances this season, suggesting the captain's confidence was well placed. Liverpool are next in action against Manchester City on October 11, and the club will hope scans on Gakpo's ankle rule out a lengthy absence.
