Liverpool Handed Gakpo Injury Blow as Forward Leaves Netherlands Camp

Cody Gakpo has been ruled out of the rest of the Netherlands' international break with an injury, and he is heading back to Liverpool to be checked by the club's medical staff.

The 27-year-old forward started against Serbia in Belgrade in the Nations League but went off early in the first half after a heavy challenge from Sasa Lukic. Lukic was shown a yellow card. Early reports from the Dutch camp point to an ankle problem, though nobody will know how bad it is until Gakpo has scans in England.

The Dutch FA confirmed on Monday afternoon that he had already left camp. Coach Xavi has decided not to call up a replacement for the last two games of the window, believing he has enough cover on the left flank. Ruben van Bommel, who did well off the bench on Sunday night, is expected to fight for a starting spot, and Noa Lang is also there as another option.

The Netherlands play Greece in Thessaloniki on Thursday, then return to the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven to finish their October fixtures.

For Liverpool, the big worry is whether Gakpo will be fit for the home game against Manchester City at Anfield on October 11. That match is already being talked about as a possible title decider, and Andoni Iraola will be hoping his forward recovers in time. The Reds are currently top of the Premier League, so the timing is far from ideal.