Cody Gakpo leave the Netherlands squad with immediate effect; more clarity over injury

Cody Gakpo's international break is over. The 27-year-old forward went off injured during Serbia v the Netherlands (1-2) on Sunday, and tests have shown he will be out for the time being. He is therefore returning to his club Liverpool, the KNVB have announced.

Early on against Serbia, things went wrong for Gakpo. After a heavy tackle from Sasa Lukic, who was shown a yellow card, the forward stayed down in pain.

Gakpo tried to continue, but a few minutes later it became clear he could not carry on. Ruben van Bommel replaced him.

"Gakpo is unavailable for the remainder of the international break," the KNVB said on Monday. "The forward went off injured in Sunday's away match against Serbia (1-2) and is returning to his club Liverpool. No replacement will be called up for Gakpo."

For national coach Xavi, that leaves Van Bommel and Noa Lang as options on the left wing, among others. Crysencio Summerville could also play in that position.

Meanwhile, Rik Elfrink knows that Gakpo will have to spend 'several weeks' on the sidelines. According to the Eindhovens Dagblad journalist, tests in Eindhoven revealed that.

The Netherlands still have two more matches to play during this international break. They face Greece in Thessaloniki next Thursday, before hosting Serbia at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven on Sunday.