Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo has sparked fresh injury fears after being forced off with an apparent ankle injury during the first half against Serbia. The Dutchman exited the match inside 20 minutes following a challenge from Premier League rival Sasa Lukic.
Gakpo received the ball in the Serbia half and rode two challenges before being brought down by a crunching slide tackle from the Ipswich Town midfielder. The 27-year-old attempted to run off the knock but went down off the ball some minutes later, signalling to the bench that he was unable to continue.
Isak withdraws from Sweden duty
It marks a difficult day for Liverpool after it was confirmed that a minor injury has forced Alexander Isak to miss the rest of the international break. In a statement, the club confirmed that the Swede's stint with Graham Potter's team has been cut short.
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."
Potential absence and attacking concerns
Subject to the seriousness of Gakpo's complaint, he could be absent for the next two fixtures against Greece on 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.
Transfer background and looming City clash
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 forward's injury, with the upcoming clash against City on the horizon. 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.
