Liverpool Faces New Setback as Cody Gakpo Suffers Injury Amid Lengthy International Break
Liverpool’s list of injury concerns has grown after Cody Gakpo was forced off the field during the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Serbia. This comes amid an unusually extended international break, causing fresh challenges for the club.
According to BBC Football, Gakpo lasted just 17 minutes before leaving the pitch, grimacing and clutching his right lower leg. For Liverpool, that detail raises alarm bells, especially since Gakpo had made a strong start to the season.
He has already scored two goals and provided four assists in six appearances across all competitions, emerging as one of Liverpool’s most effective attacking players early on. With Andoni Iraola recently appointed as manager, maintaining player availability is as important as performance. The long international break disrupts that rhythm, hindering continuity and practice.
Updates on Gakpo’s Injury
Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández stated that a scan would be conducted Monday to evaluate Gakpo’s ankle. "It’s his ankle, that’s all I know," Hernández said. "Tomorrow we will know more, but hopefully it’s not serious." His cautious words reflect the usual approach when awaiting medical results.
The broader problem is familiar: clubs bear the risk while international breaks test player durability. This year’s schedule worsens the situation, with four matches packed into three weeks instead of the usual two, increasing physical strain and travel demands.
International Injuries Increasing
Gakpo isn’t the only notable player sidelined. Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes missed Portugal’s game against Norway due to an injury carried from previous matches. Portugal’s manager Jorge Jesus noted, "He played injured from Manchester United and really wanted to feature against Wales." Another Manchester United player, Patrick Dorgu, left Denmark’s 2-0 win over Wales after just 30 minutes due to injury.
Other injuries include Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey, both picking up problems in the Netherlands vs Germany draw. Sunderland’s Dan Ballard also suffered a hamstring issue representing Northern Ireland. On the international front, France’s Kylian Mbappe faces at least two weeks out after a knee injury, and Jamal Musiala withdrew due to a muscle issue before the Netherlands match.
This pattern suggests a systemic issue, with clubs across Europe dealing with similar setbacks during this stretched international window.
Some Relief with Alexander Isak’s Return
For Liverpool, a small positive comes with Alexander Isak returning early from Sweden duty following a minor thigh complaint. He completed 90 minutes and scored in Sweden’s 2-1 win over Romania but will miss the rest of the break while undergoing evaluation at Kirkby.
There’s no reward in pushing players to play through pain early in the season if it risks further issues later. Liverpool need their key forwards healthy as Iraola adapts to his new role and tries to develop consistency amid significant changes this summer.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
The immediate priority is waiting for Gakpo’s scan results to understand the injury’s severity. Until Liverpool’s medical team provides clarity, speculation remains unhelpful. Like many clubs, Liverpool faces frustration and uncertainty watching these updates unfold.
"Gakpo has started the season well, Isak returned early, and now we wait on scan results because another player faced an intense schedule before autumn has properly begun," reflects a Liverpool supporter’s view.
With Iraola new to the job, time on the training ground and with his forwards is critical to build patterns and cohesion. Yet the ongoing injury disruptions and fitness doubts make that task harder.
Fans hear every year about the importance of international games and the inability to change the calendar. But when players break down in September due to a congested schedule, the balance seems off.
The hope is simple: Gakpo’s ankle issue proves minor, Isak recovers quickly, and Liverpool’s medical staff manage the squad’s fitness effectively. It might sound basic, but for a club starting fresh under a new coach, it’s already a demanding test of resilience.
