Liverpool star Cody Gakpo is set to undergo a scan on his ankle injury, but Netherlands boss Xavi believes he might have avoided a serious problem. The forward was taken off just 17 minutes into his country’s Nations League clash with Serbia following a heavy challenge by Ipswich’s Sasa Lukic.
Gakpo to be tested on Monday
Gakpo initially tried to run off the issue, but was unable to continue. Netherlands boss Xavi has now confirmed that he will undergo further testing on Monday to determine the seriousness of the issue but is confident that the Liverpool man has managed to avoid a long-term problem.
Speaking after his side’s 2-1 success, the Spanish coach said: “I don’t think so. It’s his ankle, that’s all I know. Tomorrow we will know, but hopefully it’s not too important.”
Key form for club and country
Liverpool will certainly be keeping their fingers crossed given how crucial Gakpo has been this season. Having seen a summer move to Manchester City fall through, he has started the new campaign in electric form with two goals and four assists in six appearances in all competitions.
He continued that exhilarating form for the Netherlands, having scored a late equaliser against Jurgen Klopp’s Germany last week.
Isak also sidelined
Gakpo is not the only Liverpool star to have picked up an issue during the international break. Striker Alexander Isak was on the end of a brutal stamp during Sweden’s clash with Romania, while he also picked up a thigh issue. It has been confirmed that Isak will now return to Merseyside and will no longer play a role for his country throughout the remainder of the international break.
Sweden boss Graham Potter said: “He’s got a small problem with his thigh. It’s not a big one but because of the amount of games we’ve got in a small space of time, he won’t be able to make those. Frustrating for him and obviously for us.”
Like Gakpo, Isak has also started the season in sensational form. The 27-year-old has four goals and an assist already this term, having scored just four times throughout the entirety of his debut campaign at Anfield.
Liverpool still have some time to wait until their next Premier League game. Andoni Iraola’s side are next back in action on October 11 as they welcome Manchester City to Anfield. They will then turn their attention to a Champions League showdown with LASK away from home.
