Liverpool have been dealt a setback ahead of their Premier League clash against Wolves, with in-form forward Cody Gakpo ruled out due to injury.
The Dutch international, who has been in fine form with four goals and an assist in his last six games, was forced off during the Merseyside derby against Everton and has not recovered in time for Sunday’s match at Anfield.
Gakpo played 69 minutes in Wednesday’s fiery 2-2 draw with Everton before being substituted. Speaking ahead of the Wolves game, Arne Slot had hinted that the 25-year-old was a doubt but did not disclose the exact nature of his injury.
“We saw Trent [Alexander-Arnold], of course, being able to play,” Slot said on Friday. “Joe Gomez is out and Tyler Morton is out.
Cody is a bit of a doubt as well, so let’s wait [to see] how he is today. I had to take him off because of an injury, because he got a knock, so let’s see how he is today.”
Unfortunately for Liverpool, Gakpo has not recovered in time and is now sidelined.
His absence sees Diogo Jota return to the starting lineup, joining Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez in attack. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold has recovered from his own injury and replaces Conor Bradley at right-back.
Curtis Jones also misses out after receiving a red card in the Merseyside derby, further depleting Liverpool’s squad.
Liverpool remain four points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table and will be looking to restore their seven-point lead with a win over Wolves.
However, with key players missing, Slot’s side will need to dig deep to secure all three points.