Liverpool Faces Setback as Cody Gakpo Exits Early with Injury During International Break

Cody Gakpo's Injury Adds to Liverpool's Concerns Amid Extended International Break

Liverpool's fitness worries have grown after Cody Gakpo was forced off just 17 minutes into the Netherlands' 2-1 victory over Serbia. This comes during an unusually long international break that has seen multiple key players suffer injuries.

The incident caught attention as Gakpo left the field holding his lower right leg, grimacing in pain. Given his strong start to the season with two goals and four assists across six appearances, his early exit is troubling for Liverpool. Under new manager Andoni Iraola, maintaining player availability is crucial for establishing team rhythm and consistency.

Latest on Gakpo's Injury

Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández confirmed a scan would take place on Monday, stating, "It's his ankle, that's all I know. Tomorrow we will know more, but hopefully it's not too serious." The cautious tone leaves room for concern, especially before Liverpool's medical team can provide a full assessment.

International Break Injuries Mounting

This injury adds to a growing list of problems clubs are facing during this packed international schedule. The first break of the 2026-27 season spans three weeks and includes four matches instead of the usual two, increasing fatigue and risk.

• Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes missed Portugal’s game against Norway due to a lingering issue from previous matches.
• Patrick Dorgu exited early in Denmark’s 2-0 win over Wales.
• Arsenal's Kai Havertz and Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey picked up injuries during the Netherlands-Germany draw.
• Sunderland's Dan Ballard suffered a hamstring problem while playing for Northern Ireland.
• Kylian Mbappe will be sidelined for at least two weeks after injuring his knee for France.
• Jamal Musiala withdrew due to a muscle issue during Germany's warm-up versus the Netherlands.

These cases show the wider impact of congested international fixtures on player health.

Some Relief for Liverpool: Alexander Isak Returns

There is a small positive for Liverpool as Alexander Isak has come back early from Sweden duty following a minor thigh problem. He played a full match and scored in Sweden’s 2-1 win over Romania but will miss the remaining international games to recover fully under Liverpool’s care at Kirkby.

Implications for Liverpool's New Manager

Iraola faces the challenge of integrating his squad while dealing with injuries and limited training time caused by this international break. The disruption hampers efforts to build cohesion amid major changes during the summer transfer window.

The extended schedule and resulting injuries highlight a broader issue with the current football calendar. If players are getting injured this early due to tightly packed internationals, it raises questions about the balance between club and country demands.

Looking Ahead

The priority now lies in confirming the extent of Gakpo’s ankle injury and ensuring Isak recovers quickly. Liverpool will rely heavily on their medical staff to manage these setbacks while aiming to stabilize their lineup under the new head coach.

As a Liverpool fan, it’s frustrating to see key players sidelined because of a crowded international schedule. We hope for quick recoveries so the team can focus on building momentum.