Cody Gakpo is returning to Liverpool for assessment on an injury suffered while playing for the Netherlands.
The Reds confirmed on Monday that Gakpo would make an early return to Anfield after picking up an ankle issue during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Serbia in a Nations League fixture in Belgrade.
Early exit in Belgrade
Gakpo started in attack for the Netherlands at the Rajko Mitic Stadium alongside Crysencio Summerville and double goalscorer Mexx Meerdink, but sustained his injury in the early stages and limped off after only 17 minutes, replaced by Ruben van Bommel.
"It's his ankle, that's all I know," new Netherlands boss Xavi said on Gakpo after the game. "Tomorrow we will know, but hopefully it's not too important."
Return to Merseyside
Liverpool have now announced that Gakpo is coming back to the club, and will play no part for the Netherlands in their remaining Nations League fixtures in Group A2 during this extended three-week international window - Thursday’s trip to Greece or the home meeting with Serbia next weekend.
He will be expected to undergo scans to determine the severity of the injury.
"Cody Gakpo has withdrawn from international duty for the Netherlands after sustaining an ankle injury," Liverpool said in a statement.
"The forward had to be substituted during the first half of his country’s 2-1 win against Serbia on Sunday evening.
"He will not participate in the Dutch’s remaining two fixtures of the current international period.
"Gakpo will now return to Liverpool for further assessment by the club’s medical staff at the AXA Training Centre."
The Netherlands tweeted through their official team account on X: "Take care, Cody.
"Gakpo won’t be available for the remainder of this international window and will return to Liverpool."
Growing injury list
Gakpo’s Liverpool team-mate Jeremie Frimpong played no part for the Netherlands against Serbia, having been dropped from Xavi’s matchday squad to make room for returning Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, who played 10 minutes off the bench.
It was a potentially costly weekend of internationals for Liverpool, with Alexander Isak also withdrawing from the Sweden squad following their 2-1 win over Romania due to what was described as a “minor injury” that Sweden coach Graham Potter confirmed was to his thigh.
Gakpo and Isak join a Liverpool injury list that already includes Federico Chiesa, who is yet to play this season due to a back problem, plus long-term absentees Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni (both knee).
Andoni Iraola’s side return to Premier League action after the international break with a high-profile home showdown against Manchester City - who tried to sign Gakpo during the summer transfer window - at Anfield on October 11.
It will be City’s first game since last week’s reports that they have been found guilty by an independent commission on 114 of the their 115 Premier League charges for alleged breaches of financial rules.
City deny all the charges against them and are expected to appeal the verdict.
