Liverpool will make a late decision on Cody Gakpo’s availability for Sunday’s high-stakes Premier League clash against Manchester City, as the Dutch forward races to recover from injury.
Gakpo sustained a knock during Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton and has missed the Reds’ last two matches against Wolves and Aston Villa. With the trip to the Etihad looming, his participation remains uncertain.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, manager Arne Slot provided an update on Gakpo’s condition.
“Let’s see. I hope he can play, but I’m not 100% sure,” Slot admitted. “He hasn’t trained with the team yet. Maybe he does a bit today I don’t know exactly. It will be a close call.”
Liverpool’s injury concerns extend beyond Gakpo. Joe Gomez is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on his hamstring, while Connor Bradley is also expected to miss out following an injury sustained against Aston Villa.
“Connor still has to come in, but I’d be completely surprised if he’s involved on Sunday or Wednesday against Newcastle,” Slot added. “Joe Gomez has had surgery, so he will be out for a long time. Maybe he’ll return just before the end of the season.”
Liverpool’s injury setbacks come at a crucial stage of the title race. A midweek draw against Villa allowed Arsenal to close the gap at the top of the table, while Manchester City remains a serious threat in the battle for Premier League supremacy.
The match against Villa was overshadowed by a shocking miss from Darwin Núñez, who failed to convert an open goal in the second half. While Slot defended the Uruguayan striker’s effort, he expressed concern over his reaction to the mistake.
“I can accept every miss, especially from a player who scored two important goals against Brentford,” Slot said. “But what was harder for me to accept was his behavior after the miss.
“I think it got too much in his head, and he wasn’t the usual Darwin who works his arse off for the team. He was too disappointed, and that affected him.”
With or without Gakpo, Liverpool faces a massive challenge against City. Slot will be hoping his side can regroup and put in a strong performance as they continue their push for Premier League glory.