Bitter blow for Liverpool as Gakpo is out with an ankle injury

Liverpool FC will have to cope with a bitter loss on Monday: Cody Gakpo, 27, is sidelined for several weeks after an ankle injury in the Netherlands' international match against Serbia, missing the upcoming internationals as well as the next club fixtures, and is expected to be unavailable for the Reds until the autumn.

In the Nations League match between the Netherlands and Serbia, which ended 2-1, Gakpo had to be substituted in the early stages. The 27-year-old forward had previously scored the equaliser for the Oranje.

International Impact

Because of the ankle injury, Gakpo will no longer be available for the remaining internationals of the Netherlands. He will miss the clash against Greece next Thursday as well as the return match against Serbia on Sunday. The Dutch association has confirmed that he can no longer take part in the rest of the Nations League phase.

Implications for Liverpool

Liverpool FC will also have to do without the striker until October 11, when the Reds play the sixth Premier League round against Manchester City. In addition to Gakpo, Alexander Isak, who is also injured after an international match, as well as Hugo Ekitike with an Achilles tendon rupture and Federico Chiesa, who has back problems, are missing.

In the current season, Gakpo has recorded two goals and four assists in six appearances. The Reds remain unbeaten, have however failed to win three times and currently sit in sixth place.

Coach Andoni Iraola now has to reshuffle his attacking options, having already lost a key player during the international break. For him, Gakpo's absence represents the second major test since the start of the season.

Even record signing Alexander Isak had to leave the internationals after a appearance for Sweden, while Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa are also sidelined. The injury situation heavily strains the Reds' attacking record.