Cody Gakpo withdraws from Netherlands squad to add to Liverpool injury issues

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·28 September 2026

Cody Gakpo withdraws from Netherlands squad to add to Liverpool injury issues

Cody Gakpo has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad with an ankle injury, handing Liverpool a second international break setback in as many days.

Liverpoolconfirmed on Monday that the forward will miss the Dutch side's remaining two fixtures of the current international period and will return to the AXA Training Centre for further assessment by the club's medical staff.

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Gakpo, 27, lasted just 17 minutes of Sunday's 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Serbia in Belgrade. Gakpo sustained the issue after a challenge from Ipswich Town midfielder Saka Lukic, and despite initially trying to play on, was in too much discomfort to continue

Netherlands boss Xavi Hernández had played down fears after the match when asked if the injury was serious.

"I don't think so. It's his ankle, that's all I know. Tomorrow we will know, but hopefully it's not too important."

- Xavi Hernández, Netherlands head coach

The Dutch won in Belgrade thanks to a double from AZ Alkmaar forward Mexx Meerdink. Gakpo had scored the equaliser in Thursday's 1-1 draw with Germany, Xavi's first match in charge. The Netherlands next visit Greece on Thursday before hosting Serbia on October 4, per ESPN.

Isak also heading back to Merseyside

The news adds to Andoni Iraola's concerns after Alexander Isak withdrew from the Sweden squad at the weekend.

Liverpool said the striker is returning with a minor injury and will not be involved in Sweden's three remaining fixtures. Isak had scored in Sweden's 2-1 win over Romania on Friday.

"He's got a small problem with his thigh. 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. Frustrating for him and obviously for us."

- Graham Potter, Sweden head coach

The injuries offer a headache for Iraola, ahead of a massive fixture with Manchester City after the international break. Both forwards have made strong starts to the season. Gakpo has two goals and four assists in six appearances for Liverpool, while Isak is the club's leading scorer with fourPremier League goals. Only Erling Haaland (5) has outscored Isak in the league this season.

The Reds will hope to have both available when they host City in thePremier League on October 11.