Gakpo limps off after 17 minutes as Liverpool face double injury scare on international duty

Liverpool face a potential double injury crisis after Cody Gakpo was forced off just 17 minutes into the Netherlands’ Nations League fixture away to Serbia on Sunday, hours after the club discovered Alexander Isak had picked up a thigh problem while on duty with Sweden.

Gakpo, 27, signalled to the bench after receiving two heavy challenges in quick succession, eventually limping off the pitch. Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez was expected to provide an update on the forward’s condition at full-time.

The timing is particularly concerning for Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola. Gakpo had been in fine form heading into the international break, scoring for the Netherlands in their 1-1 draw with Germany on Thursday, and the pair had already combined for four goals this season — including contributions to Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Bournemouth.

Isak’s injury was confirmed earlier on Sunday, with Sweden head coach Graham Potter explaining the situation ahead of his side’s home match against Poland.

“He’s got a small problem with his thigh,” Potter said. “It’s not a big one but because of the amount of games we’ve got in a small space of time, he won’t be able to make those.”

Potter added that the injury revealed itself gradually in the 24 to 48 hours following the game. “Unfortunately after getting it checked out, it’s a little bit more than what you think during the match,” he said. “He has to miss the rest of the camp.”

Isak has now departed Sweden’s squad and will miss their three remaining fixtures of the international window. Potter acknowledged there was no direct replacement for the striker. “Clearly there’s not another Alexander Isak, that’s obvious,” he said. “Whoever comes in, we’re not going to ask them to be Alex. They just need to be themselves in the best way they can.”

Liverpool do not return to Premier League action until 11 October, when they face Manchester City, giving the club some time to assess the full extent of both injuries before naming a squad.