Cody Gakpo could face months out as injury expert explains worst-case scenario

Liverpool have suffered a major blow as in-form attacker Cody Gakpo could be out for a lengthy period after suffering an ankle injury during the Netherlands’ 2-1 Nations League victory against Serbia.

The 27-year-old was forced off early in the first half and has officially withdrawn from the Dutch squad to return to Merseyside for detailed assessments.

Cody Gakpo could be out for weeks

Breakdowns from injury expert (@physioscout) indicate that Gakpo’s setback occurred following a scissor-tackle mechanism during the match, which forced his lower leg and ankle into severe eversion and external rotation.

The nature of the challenge raises primary concern for a syndesmosis or high ankle sprain, with upcoming scans required at the AXA Training Centre to rule out any underlying lower-leg fractures.

If tests reveal a moderate-grade syndesmosis or deltoid ligament damage, Gakpo faces an estimated recovery timeline of 3 to 6 weeks.

However, in a worst-case scenario involving a high-grade syndesmosis tear requiring surgical repair, the forward could face 8 to 10+ weeks on the sidelines.

Given the force of the challenge, the Dutchman will be fortunate to escape a prolonged spell out of action, though final timelines depend strictly on imaging results.