Liverpool Hit Again as Cody Gakpo Withdraws From Netherlands Squad After Serbia Tackle

Liverpool have suffered another international-break injury setback after Cody Gakpo withdrew from the Netherlands squad with an ankle injury.

The forward was forced off just 17 minutes into the Netherlands' 2-1 Nations League victory over Serbia after being caught by a heavy challenge from Sasa Lukic.

Gakpo initially attempted to continue, but eventually signalled to the Netherlands bench that he could not carry on.

Liverpool have now confirmed that the 27-year-old will return to the club and undergo further assessment.

Gakpo Lasted Just 17 Minutes

Gakpo started for the Netherlands in Belgrade after scoring the dramatic late equaliser against Germany in his previous international appearance.

But his latest outing lasted less than 20 minutes.

The incident occurred after Lukic challenged Gakpo for the ball, catching the Liverpool forward's left ankle.

Gakpo attempted to play through the problem, but the discomfort proved too much.

He eventually received treatment before being replaced by Ruben van Bommel in the 17th minute.

Netherlands Confirm His International Withdrawal

The Netherlands will now have to continue their Nations League campaign without one of their attacking options.

Liverpool's official statement confirmed that Gakpo has withdrawn from international duty after sustaining the ankle injury and will not participate in the Netherlands' remaining fixtures during this international period.

The player will instead return to Liverpool, where the club's medical staff will carry out a further assessment.

At this stage, there is no confirmed timeframe for his return.

That will depend on the results of the club's examination.

Another Blow for Liverpool

Gakpo's withdrawal is particularly significant because Liverpool have already lost Alexander Isak from international duty during the same break.

Isak returned to Liverpool after Sweden confirmed that he had suffered a thigh problem.

The two forwards have both been important attacking options for Liverpool, meaning the club will now be monitoring the pair closely ahead of the return of domestic football.

Gakpo had also started the international window in good form, scoring the Netherlands' late equaliser against Germany before starting against Serbia.

Liverpool Will Wait for Further Tests

The Timing Could Make the Difference

Gakpo's injury comes at an important stage of Liverpool's campaign.

The Reds will return from the international break to another demanding run of fixtures, meaning Andoni Iraola will want as many attacking options available as possible.

Gakpo's versatility makes him particularly useful because he can operate from the wing or through the centre.

Losing him for any significant period would therefore reduce the manager's options.

But Liverpool will first need to discover exactly what the ankle assessment shows.

A Waiting Game for Liverpool

The Netherlands have already confirmed that Gakpo will play no further part in this international window.

Now the focus moves entirely to Liverpool.

The forward will return to Merseyside, undergo further examinations and wait for the club to determine the extent of the injury.

For Liverpool, the hope will be simple: that the heavy tackle in Belgrade has caused only a short-term problem.

For now, the Reds have lost another important attacker — but the full picture on Gakpo's injury is still to come.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: How important has Cody Gakpo become to Liverpool this season?

🔥 Fire: Is the international break becoming a major concern for Liverpool?

😲 Shock: Were you surprised to see Gakpo forced off so early against Serbia?

👍 Like: Can Liverpool cope if Gakpo and Isak are both unavailable?

💬 Comment: Who should lead Liverpool's attack if Gakpo misses the next game?