Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is set to miss Thursday’s game against Union Saint-Gilloise through injury.
Gakpo was taken off at half-time during the Reds 2-1 loss against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, shortly after he’d levelled the game.
Jurgen Klopp suggested post-game that the 24-year-old could have a ‘bad one.’ But according to The Athletic, a subsequent scan has revealed good news for Liverpool. Gakpo is now expected to miss just two matches.
Following Thursday’s match at Anfield, the Reds head to the South Coast to take on Brighton. Although it’s claimed that Gakpo will sit both of those out, the Dutchman is reportedly set to return for the Reds’ next fixture.
In this instance, the timing of an international break is good news for Liverpool. Their next game after Brighton is the Merseyside Derby at Anfield, and it’s reportedly hoped that Gakpo will be available for selection for that match on October 21st.
Although it’s obviously bad news that Liverpool won’t have Gakpo available for the next couple of matches, this is still positive.
After what Klopp said on Saturday, it really did sound like we might have to brace for a big blow. But instead, it seems likely that Gakpo will return with relative speed.
Nevertheless, that obviously doesn’t help for the upcoming fixtures. But with all due respect to Saint-Gilloise, Liverpool should be fine this Thursday.
Sunday’s visit to Brighton on Sunday looks awkward though, Klopp might be sweating a little over his forward options.
Diogo Jota will be available for the Europa League game, but will be suspended when the Reds head to the South Coast at the weekend. With Gakpo also missing, Klopp will be without two options who Chris Sutton recently called ‘incredible’ [BBC 5 Live Monday Night Club].
As a result, supporters will be desperately hoping that Darwin Nunez has shaken off the issue which kept him from starting against Spurs. If he hasn’t, then it could be that we see Ben Doak from the start against the Seagulls.
That will excite some and concern others. Get healthy soon Cody, we’re going to need you.
