Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak injuries leave Liverpool in crisis

Cody Gakpo

Alexander Isak

Liverpool have been dealt a massive double blow during the international break as key forward Cody Gakpo joined Alexander Isak on the treatment table.

The Dutch attacker was forced off early during the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Serbia on Sunday, sparking immediate fears over his fitness.

The Reds now face a major attacking crisis ahead of their crucial clash with Manchester City.

A painful afternoon in Belgrade

Gakpo started the match in Belgrade but lasted only 17 minutes before having to be replaced by Ruben van Bommel.

Ipswich Town midfielder Sasa Lukic caught the Liverpool forward with a robust challenge after 12 minutes, earning a booking for the tackle.

Although the 27-year-old tried to play through the pain, he soon signalled to the bench that his afternoon was over.

The Dutch forward is set to undergo scans on Monday to determine the extent of his ankle injury.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Netherlands boss Xavi 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.

The injury has caused significant concern on Merseyside, especially given Gakpo’s prominent role in the squad this season.

Double blow for Andoni Iraola

This latest setback adds to a growing injury list at Anfield, with Alexander Isak already returning early from international duty.

The Swedish striker left his national team’s camp on Saturday night after picking up a thigh issue.

Sweden manager Graham Potter confirmed that the forward is dealing with a minor thigh problem.

Speaking about the striker’s fitness, 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.

Isak has returned to the AXA Training Centre to begin his rehabilitation, leaving Iraola short of options up front.

The simultaneous loss of two key attacking weapons leaves the Liverpool coaching staff with a massive selection headache.

Gakpo reflects on turbulent summer

The injury comes at a frustrating time for Gakpo, who has been in sensational form for the Reds this season.

The forward was heavily linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City during a turbulent summer transfer window.

However, he remained on Merseyside and has since committed himself fully to Iraola’s project.

Reflecting on his summer in an interview with The Telegraph, Gakpo said:

If I have no control over the situation, I will not worry. I just do my job.

Since Andoni Iraola took charge of the Reds, Gakpo has established himself as a crucial component of the attack.

He has already contributed two goals and four assists across all competitions this term, including an equaliser against Newcastle United.

Manchester City test looms large

Liverpool remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season, but their resilience will be tested to the limit after the international break.

They host league leaders Manchester City at Anfield in their first game back, before fixtures against LASK and Brentford.

Iraola will be desperately hoping for positive news from Gakpo’s scans as he prepares for a defining run of games.

With the Premier League title race heating up, losing both Gakpo and Isak could prove devastating to Liverpool’s momentum.