Uncertain whether Gakpo will stay available for Fulham after injury

It is still unclear when Cody Gakpo will return from his minor injury, assistant manager Andoni Iraola says after Liverpool’s Champions League win over Atlético Madrid. The Dutchman was left out of the matchday squad for the tie and may also not be available in time for the upcoming Premier League match against Fulham.

Injury keeps Gakpo out of selection

Iraola indicated that Gakpo does not have a serious injury, but recently suffered mild complaints in both adductors. “I don’t know if he will be back for the Fulham game,” he told Liverpool’s club channels. He added: “I hope so, but I’m not certain.”

Because of the injury, Gakpo was left out of the squad for the Champions League tie with Atlético Madrid. The coach expects recovery to be the focus over the next two days, but stressed that the time pressure is high as Liverpool have to play again in two and a half days.

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Uncertainty for Fulham tie

For the Premier League match against Fulham, Iraola has not yet made a final decision. He said that they must wait to see how both Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo are faring. If Gakpo cannot play, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Muñoz are ready as replacements.

The recent League victory of Liverpool over Atlético Madrid ended 2-1 after a comeback. Dutch national team coach Xavi Hernández sat in the stands, while Virgil van Dijk was the only the Oranje international in the starting eleven. Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremie Frimpong came on as substitutes.

Iraola concluded with a broader view: “We need to recover, get things back on track and look ahead, because in two and a half days we play here again, against Fulham. That is another very important match for us. So I hope we will have Cody available, but I cannot guarantee that.”