Gakpo’s Injury Woes: A Detailed Insight
Jurgen Klopp, the renowned manager of Liverpool, recently shared some disheartening news regarding Cody Gakpo, the talented Dutch forward, following a challenging match against Tottenham Hotspur. The game, which concluded with a 2-1 defeat for Liverpool, saw Gakpo leaving the field at halftime, raising concerns about his fitness and availability for upcoming matches.
The Moment of Distress
Gakpo, with his exceptional skills, managed to score a stunning equaliser just before the break, but the joy was short-lived as he was observed wincing in pain immediately after. Initially, it appeared that the injury occurred during the goal, but Klopp’s insights suggest that the actual injury might have happened earlier in the first half, possibly due to a tackle from Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie.
Klopp’s Concerns
Post-match, Klopp expressed his concerns and frustrations regarding Gakpo’s condition. He revealed that Gakpo was seen limping down the corridor of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, his leg secured in a brace. Klopp, quoted by Liverpool’s official website, stated, “The biggest problem of the game, to be honest… before Cody Gakpo scored, we got a free-kick and he got injured and he is now with a brace limping down the corridor. That’s my biggest problem, to be honest, in this moment. We lost two [to red cards] and maybe a third player – really bad, really bad. So, yes, that’s something we have to deal with obviously.”
Uncertain Future for Gakpo
The extent of Gakpo’s injury remains uncertain, with Klopp admitting, “Possibly, I don’t know. He wore a brace. After that shot, he felt it even more. It was from the foul before.” This uncertainty casts a shadow over Gakpo’s availability for Liverpool’s upcoming UEFA Europa League group stage match against Union Saint-Gilloise, a top-tier Belgian Pro League side. The Reds are anxiously awaiting more information on his condition, with a scan expected in the forthcoming days.
Liverpool’s Upcoming Challenges
Despite the setback with Gakpo, Liverpool will see the return of Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota, who are available for selection for the upcoming matches. Their suspension, resulting from red cards against Tottenham, only applies to domestic fixtures, providing some relief to the team and the fans.