Liverpool's attacking arsenal has taken a significant hit after Cody Gakpo sustained an ankle injury during the Netherlands' 2-1 Nations League victory against Serbia. The 27-year-old in-form attacker was withdrawn early in the first half and has since been ruled out of further international duties, returning to Merseyside for comprehensive medical evaluation. The injury comes at a particularly inopportune moment for the Reds, who face a crucial Premier League encounter against Manchester City following the international break.
Detailed analysis from injury expert @physioscout reveals the exact nature of the damage inflicted on Gakpo during the match. The setback resulted from a scissor-tackle mechanism that forced the forward's lower leg and ankle into severe eversion and external rotation—a mechanism that raises primary concerns for a syndesmosis or high ankle sprain. Scans at the AXA Training Centre will be essential to rule out any underlying lower-leg fractures, with the results determining the scope of recovery required. The force of the challenge suggests Gakpo would be fortunate to escape an extended spell sidelined, though definitive timelines remain subject to imaging outcomes.
The recovery projection varies considerably depending on what the scans reveal. Should tests confirm moderate-grade syndesmosis or deltoid ligament damage, Gakpo faces an estimated rehabilitation window of 3 to 6 weeks. However, the worst-case scenario—a high-grade syndesmosis tear requiring surgical intervention—could sideline the Dutchman for 8 to 10 or more weeks. Given that Gakpo has been among Liverpool's standout attacking performers this season, his potential absence represents a substantial tactical blow heading into one of their most pivotal fixtures of the campaign.
Compounding Liverpool's injury concerns is fellow attacker Alexander Isak, who has also withdrawn from the Sweden squad while on international duty. With uncertainty surrounding two vital attacking players ahead of the Manchester City showdown, the Reds face a mounting selection crisis. The immediate priority will be obtaining clarity from Gakpo's forthcoming assessments, which should provide definitive answers about his availability for the blockbuster Anfield encounter and the weeks beyond.