Cody Gakpo’s availability for Liverpool’s match against Southampton remains uncertain after his ankle injury flared up, with Arne Slot set to decide late.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo remains a doubt for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Southampton, as confirmed by manager Arne Slot. The Dutchman has struggled with an ankle injury since the Merseyside derby in February, missing games against Wolves and Aston Villa before making brief returns against Manchester City and Newcastle.
Although Gakpo traveled with the squad for their Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain, he did not feature due to recurring discomfort. The issue persisted, and he missed training on Thursday, leaving his availability in doubt. Slot admitted it would be a “close call,” emphasizing that while it’s not a long-term issue, the forward was still feeling pain.
Liverpool face a packed schedule, with crucial fixtures including the second leg against PSG and the Carabao Cup final on the horizon. Slot acknowledged the challenge of balancing player fitness with the demands of a tight fixture list, hinting at potential squad rotation.
He suggested that under normal circumstances, he might have stuck with the same lineup, but the intense run of matches has forced him to reassess. The manager emphasized the need to factor in opposition strength, player form, and fitness when making selection decisions.
Gakpo has been an important contributor for Liverpool this season, scoring eight Premier League goals. His presence would be a boost for the Reds as they look to maintain their momentum in multiple competitions.
Liverpool fans will hope for positive news regarding Gakpo’s condition, with the team aiming to secure crucial wins in both domestic and European competitions. Slot’s decision on Gakpo’s fitness will likely be made after assessing him in the final training session before the Southampton match.