Gakpo returns to Liverpool for scans after ankle injury scare on Netherlands duty

Cody Gakpo has returned to Liverpool for medical assessment after limping off during Netherlands duty with an ankle injury, leaving the club anxiously awaiting scan results during the international break.

The forward was withdrawn after going down clutching his ankle, having earlier been on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Serbia’s Saša Lukić. Netherlands manager Xavi said he hoped the injury was not serious, but football injury analyst Physio Scout raised concerns about the mechanism of the knock.

“Scissor-tackle type mechanism forced Gakpo’s ankle into eversion and external rotation,” the analyst wrote. “This mechanism raises concern for a syndesmosis/high ankle sprain. Scans will need to rule out any lower-leg fractures.”

Liverpool will be hoping for a more positive outcome than the assessment suggests. The club already have more than a week before top-flight action resumes, with their next fixture a high-profile meeting with Manchester City on 11 October, giving Gakpo some time to recover if the scans return encouraging news.

The injury concern arrives at a particularly frustrating moment for the Reds. Gakpo has been one of their standout performers this season, contributing two goals and four assists in just six club appearances — form that has justified captain Virgil van Dijk’s public backing of the winger during the summer.

Van Dijk was vocal in August about his desire to keep Gakpo at Anfield amid reported interest from Tottenham and Manchester City. “I want him to stay not only because he’s a quality player but also because he’s a friend of mine. He’s very important for us,” the Dutch skipper said at the time.

Gakpo ultimately remained on Merseyside, and his early-season contributions have underlined the wisdom of that decision — making the prospect of a significant injury absence all the more concerning for Arne Slot’s side.

Liverpool are also monitoring Alexander Isak, who returned to Merseyside early from Sweden duty with a minor injury. Swedish national team manager Graham Potter offered cautious optimism, suggesting the issue was not serious but that Isak would miss Sweden’s remaining fixtures given the club’s congested schedule ahead.