Liverpool Faces New Injury Setback as Cody Gakpo Leaves International Match Early

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

Liverpool are now watching anxiously after Cody Gakpo was forced off just 17 minutes into the Netherlands' 2-1 victory over Serbia, raising fresh fitness alarms amid a long and demanding international window.

BBC Football reports that Gakpo left the field holding the lower part of his right leg in visible pain. This moment matters deeply for Liverpool since he had been one of their standout performers early in the season, contributing two goals and four assists across six matches. His sharp start has made this injury particularly worrying.

New manager Andoni Iraola is counting on player availability as much as form, needing consistency and rhythm to build his team. International breaks, especially this extended one, complicate those efforts with increased risk and disruption.

Gakpo’s Condition and Next Steps

The Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández said a scan would determine the extent of Gakpo’s ankle injury, adding, "It's his ankle, that's all I know. Tomorrow we will know, but hopefully it's not too important." Such cautious remarks often come before a full diagnosis, so Liverpool fans can only wait for clarity from their medical team.

International Break Injuries Are Mounting

This injury is far from isolated. The unusually packed international schedule—with four matches squeezed into three weeks instead of the usual two—has increased strain on players and clubs.

• Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United missed Portugal's game against Norway due to an injury sustained earlier while playing Wales.
• Patrick Dorgu, also from Manchester United, left Denmark's win over Wales after 30 minutes.
• Kai Havertz (Arsenal) and Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey picked up issues in the Netherlands-Germany draw.
• Sunderland’s Dan Ballard suffered a hamstring problem with Northern Ireland.
• Kylian Mbappe is sidelined for at least two weeks after a knee injury with France.
• Jamal Musiala withdrew from Germany’s match due to a muscle problem during warm-up.

These setbacks highlight a systemic problem affecting many European clubs, not just Liverpool.

Small Relief With Alexander Isak's Return

A brighter note for Liverpool is Alexander Isak returning early from Sweden duty after a minor thigh issue. He played the full match and scored in Sweden’s 2-1 win over Romania but will skip the rest of the break for assessment at Kirkby.

Isak’s cautious management shows the importance of preserving players for the season ahead rather than pushing through pain during international games.

The Bigger Picture

For Liverpool supporters, this situation underlines frustrations with the international calendar. Gakpo’s promising start, Isak’s early return, and now injury concerns keep mounting during a schedule that feels overloaded before autumn truly begins.

Iraola’s task is tougher with less time on the training ground and uncertainty among key forwards. The disruption doesn’t help a squad adapting to new leadership and tactics.

Fans often hear that these matches matter and the calendar can’t be changed. Yet if players are breaking down in September because four internationals are crammed into three weeks, something seems out of balance.

What Liverpool Needs Now

• Gakpo’s ankle issue must prove minor.
• Isak’s thigh problem needs to heal swiftly.
• The club’s medical staff must regain control over fitness management.

It might sound simple, but for a club aiming to start fresh under a new head coach, this period has become a real test of endurance and squad depth.