Cody Gakpo Injury latest: Xavi eases Liverpool fears after 2-1 Netherlands win
Liverpool fans might want to look away now.
Just when it seemed like Andoni Iraola’s side were finding their groove ahead of a massive autumn period, the international break has served up yet another dreaded fitness panic.
Having already registered two goals and four assists in a flying start to the campaign, Cody Gakpo’s momentum came to a sudden halt in Belgrade.
The Dutchman was forced off before half-time in the Netherlands' 2-1 win over Serbia a match decided by Mexx Meerdink's two goals, with Luka Jovic scoring the lone reply for the home side.
Coming just hours after Alexander Isak was forced to withdraw from the Sweden camp, Iraola now faces a nervous wait over the condition of his frontline ahead of Manchester City's upcoming visit to Anfield.
Here is how the drama unfolded in Belgrade and what was said after the final whistle.
Early exit sparks immediate concern
Gakpo started on the left flank for Xavi's side but lasted just 17 minutes before being forced off the pitch.
The trouble began five minutes earlier when Serbia midfielder Sasa Lukic caught the Liverpool forward with a heavy scissor-style challenge, leaving Gakpo's left leg briefly trapped between Lukic's. While the tackle earned Lukic a yellow card, the damage to Gakpo was immediately obvious.
The 27-year-old tried to carry on and shake off the blow, but after five minutes of clear discomfort, he went to ground holding his left ankle and signalled directly to the Dutch bench that he could not continue. He was replaced by Ruben van Bommel.
It is a bitter blow for a player who has registered two goals and four assists already this term, forming a lethal partnership alongside summer recruits and other players alike.
What Netherlands boss Xavi said post-match
Naturally, post-match questions focused heavily on Gakpo's ankle and whether Liverpool supporters should prepare for an extended absence.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Dutch head coach Xavi sought to play down the severity of the setback, offering a cautiously optimistic update.
"I don't think [it's a bad injury]," Xavi told reporters. "It was the ankle.
"I don't know exactly the result but tomorrow [we will find out]. Hopefully it's not too [serious]."
The Dutch medical staff will carry out a full assessment on Monday before deciding whether Gakpo remains with the squad for Thursday's trip to face Greece or returns to Merseyside for treatment at the AXA Training Centre.
Iraola's mounting attacking headache
Gakpo's ankle blow couldn't come at a worse time for Iraola.
Only a day earlier, Sweden manager Graham Potter confirmed that Alexander Isak had left their camp due to a "small problem with his thigh" picked up after scoring against Romania.
Losing both Gakpo and Isak in the space of 24 hours leaves Liverpool's coaching staff sweating over two primary central and wide options. With two goals and four assists already under his belt this term, Gakpo has been instrumental in powering Liverpool's attacking output.
Elsewhere in the Dutch camp, Virgil van Dijk played the full 90 minutes in Serbia, while Ryan Gravenberch managed 67 minutes before being substituted for Guus Til. Defender Jeremie Frimpong missed out on the matchday squad entirely as Jurrien Timber returned.
When will international fixtures end the madness?
For Liverpool fans watching key players pick up ankle knocks in September, the frustration is entirely understandable.
While injuries in major international tournaments are part and parcel of the sport, risking key assets in Nations League group matches in an already packed autumn schedule feels like an unnecessary gamble.
Between 38 Premier League fixtures, domestic cups, and expanding European commitments, the workload placed on elite stars is reaching a tipping point. Lukic’s heavy tackle may have been an unfortunate match action, but the constant strain on players only amplifies the risk.
With Manchester City due at Anfield on October 11, Iraola will be desperately hoping his medical staff can patch up his key men in time.
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