Liverpool are facing an anxious wait over the fitness of Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak after both forwards returned early from international duty with injuries.
The pair are expected to be assessed by Liverpool’s medical team on Merseyside, with the club’s next Premier League fixture against Manchester City now less than two weeks away.
Gakpo forced off after just 17 minutes
Gakpo’s injury occurred during the Netherlands’ match against Serbia on Sunday night.
The Liverpool forward was forced to leave the field after only 17 minutes after appearing to hurt his left ankle. He was seen grimacing and clutching the affected area before being withdrawn.
As a result, Gakpo will miss the Netherlands’ remaining fixtures during the current international break and will return to his club for further assessment.
Isak also leaves international camp
Isak’s injury is understood to involve his thigh, although Sweden manager Graham Potter indicated that the problem is not considered serious.
“Isak has a minor thigh problem,” Potter said.
The Sweden boss explained that the striker was being withdrawn partly because of the number of matches scheduled within a short period.
He said the decision was frustrating for both Isak and Sweden but suggested the precaution was intended to avoid aggravating the problem.
Both forwards have made strong starts
Liverpool will be particularly keen to avoid losing either player for a significant period given their contributions so far this season.
Isak has already scored four goals and is enjoying his strongest start to a campaign after a difficult injury-hit spell last season.
Gakpo has also been an important attacking contributor, registering two goals and four assists during the opening stages of the campaign.
Liverpool medical staff to determine severity
The extent of both injuries remains unclear, with Liverpool expected to conduct further examinations after the players return to the club.
The assessments will provide a clearer indication of whether either forward can recover in time for the Manchester City fixture.
For now, Liverpool have no confirmed timeframe for either player’s return.
Manchester City await at Anfield
Liverpool are scheduled to return to Premier League action next Sunday when Manchester City visit Anfield.
The fixture will be a major test for Liverpool, who could potentially be without key attacking options depending on the results of the medical assessments.
The club will also have to manage the continued absence of Hugo Ekitike, who remains sidelined with a long-term injury.
Liverpool hope international break does not add to injury list
The early returns of Gakpo and Isak leave Liverpool monitoring their attacking options closely as the international window approaches its conclusion.
With both players having contributed heavily to the team’s early-season campaign, the club will hope their respective problems prove minor and that they can resume training ahead of the meeting with Manchester City.
