Liverpool could be set for major injury boost after Alexander Isak blow | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo Injury Update Offers Liverpool Timely Relief After Isak Blow

Liverpool’s attacking resources are under acute strain heading into the festive period, and the situation has been sharpened by the serious injury sustained by Alexander Isak. With Mohamed Salah absent on international duty and options already thin, attention has turned sharply towards Cody Gakpo and the likelihood of his return. Internal optimism exists, but caution remains the prevailing tone.

Isak’s injury has forced Liverpool into short-term contingency planning at a pivotal stage of the campaign. The fractured leg he suffered while scoring against Tottenham is expected to rule him out for a significant portion of the second half of the season, leaving a notable gap in both goals and physical presence. For a squad already managing absences, the knock-on effect has been immediate.

Photo: IMAGO

Gakpo recovery timeline clarified internally

Cody Gakpo has been sidelined with his own injury issue, one that has lingered longer than initially anticipated. However, Liverpool staff have received encouraging feedback from recent assessments. While he is not expected to feature in the immediate Premier League fixture against Wolves, the sense behind the scenes is that a return is edging closer.

There is a realistic possibility that Gakpo could be available for the New Year’s Day clash with Leeds, although no guarantees are being offered. Liverpool’s medical team are adopting a conservative approach, keen to avoid aggravation given the volume of minutes Gakpo has already logged this season. The next few days will be decisive, with training responses and recovery markers monitored closely.

For Liverpool, even partial involvement from Gakpo would represent a significant boost. His versatility across the front line has been relied upon heavily, particularly when structural changes are required mid-game. In the absence of Isak, that adaptability becomes even more valuable.

Isak injury reshapes Liverpool attacking plans

The Isak injury has altered Liverpool’s attacking blueprint almost overnight. What was previously a rotation-heavy approach has been replaced by necessity-driven selection. With fewer senior forwards available, Liverpool are expected to field an unfamiliar attacking combination over the coming matches.

Isak’s absence removes not only a consistent goal threat but also a forward capable of leading the line alone. His movement and ability to occupy defenders allowed Liverpool to vary their approach, particularly against deeper blocks. Without him, the emphasis shifts towards fluidity, interchanging roles and collective pressing rather than focal-point play.

Liverpool’s coaching staff are aware that this period will test the squad’s tactical flexibility. Short-term solutions are being prioritised over long-term planning, with January recruitment discussions deliberately parked until the immediate fixture congestion is navigated.

Short-term solutions under consideration

With Gakpo still managing his injury recovery and Isak ruled out, Liverpool are preparing for matches with limited attacking depth. Several players are expected to shoulder increased responsibility, while tactical adjustments may be required to compensate for the lack of natural forwards.

There has been significant discussion around system tweaks, including the use of hybrid attacking midfielders and wider forwards operating centrally. These are not long-term fixes, but pragmatic responses to the current situation. The emphasis will be on maintaining control, limiting exposure in transition and maximising efficiency in front of goal.

The Wolves fixture, in particular, is viewed internally as an opportunity to manage minutes carefully. Despite the league table suggesting a favourable match-up, Liverpool are acutely aware of the risks associated with overstretching players returning from injury or carrying heavy workloads.

January context and longer-term outlook

While supporters are understandably eager for transfer market intervention, Liverpool’s immediate focus remains on stabilising the squad through this injury-hit period. Any January activity will be informed by how players such as Gakpo respond upon their return and the projected recovery timeline for Isak.

For now, the club’s stance is measured. There is no desire to rush either player back prematurely, particularly given the volume of fixtures still to come. Gakpo’s injury status will be reassessed continuously, with the Leeds match pencilled in as a realistic, but not definitive, target.

Liverpool’s season is far from defined by this spell, but how they navigate the absence of Isak and manage Gakpo’s return could have lasting implications. Depth, adaptability and medical management will all be under scrutiny as the campaign moves into its most demanding phase.