Gakpo’s Availability Uncertain as Liverpool Prepare for Southampton | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo Injury Update as Arne Slot Considers Changes for Southampton Clash

Liverpool face an anxious wait over Cody Gakpo’s fitness ahead of their Premier League encounter with Southampton on Saturday. The Dutch forward has been absent from training for three consecutive days, raising doubts over his availability.

Gakpo’s Injury Concern

Gakpo travelled to Paris for Liverpool’s Champions League showdown with PSG earlier this week, despite missing training in the lead-up. However, he was ultimately left out of the matchday squad.

His omission came after he aggravated an ankle injury, prompting the club to prioritise his long-term fitness over immediate participation. With the Reds navigating a pivotal stretch of the season, every decision regarding squad rotation becomes crucial.

In his pre-match press conference, Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Gakpo’s condition.

“He didn’t train yesterday, so let’s see if he can train with us today,” Slot revealed.

“Again [it will be a] close call. It’s not a long-term injury, but he still had a bit of pain yesterday so he was not able to train.

“Let’s see where he is today. I can’t give you the answer yet.”

Injury Woes for Liverpool

Liverpool’s injury concerns extend beyond Gakpo. Joe Gomez (hamstring) and Tyler Morton (shoulder) have both been ruled out, while Conor Bradley (hamstring) is nearing a return.

With a congested fixture list ahead, Slot is expected to rotate his squad to keep players fresh. The likes of Kostas Tsimikas, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, and Darwin Núñez could be drafted into the starting XI as Liverpool look to maintain momentum.

Squad Rotation: Tactical Decision, Not Rest

Slot made it clear that any changes to the lineup against Southampton will be based on tactical considerations rather than resting players for upcoming matches. With Liverpool balancing domestic and European commitments, squad depth will be key.

“For me, the one against Southampton is by far the most important. Not only because it’s the first one we play,” Slot stated when discussing Liverpool’s crucial run of games, which includes the PSG return leg and the Carabao Cup final.

“If I make the choice to play other players, that is because I think that’s the biggest chance to win the game tomorrow and not because I want to rest them for the game against Paris Saint-Germain.

“The only way I make a change is maybe, because it’s only two days in between, I might feel playing someone else is a better option, because we have many players who have equal quality.

“That only has to do with getting a bigger chance of winning the game against Southampton.”

With Liverpool’s title challenge still in full swing, every match carries immense significance. Gakpo’s fitness remains a major talking point, but Slot’s approach ensures that the team remains competitive regardless of individual absences.