Liverpool's Gakpo sidelined for rest of break, opening chance for PSV duo

Cody Gakpo, the 27‑year‑old Liverpool forward, has returned to Anfield to assess an ankle injury sustained in the Netherlands' 2‑1 win over Serbia, meaning he will miss the rest of the international break.

Injury and club response

News from the Dutch camp confirmed the injury and Liverpool's decision not to call up a replacement, with manager Xavi already having several options in his squad. The forward, who joined Liverpool in 2023, has made 186 appearances for the Premier League side, scoring 52 goals and winning the league title.

Before moving to England, Gakpo featured in 159 games for PSV, netting 55 times and lifting both the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup.

Xavi considers replacement for injured Gakpo at the Oranje

Implications for the Netherlands squad

His absence creates a wider opening for PSV winger Ruben van Bommel and fellow Dutch international Noa Lang. At senior level Gakpo has earned 56 caps and scored 25 goals, and he opened the Xavi era with a goal in a 1‑1 draw against Germany at the start of the break.

The severity of the ankle problem remains unclear, and it is not yet known whether Liverpool will be affected when the club season resumes. The Netherlands now travel to Greece, whose side defeated Germany 1‑0 in their previous outing.

Ankle injury, Cody Gakpo leaves the Netherlands squad because

Ben Jackson reported the update for GBeNeFN.