Liverpool Set Back As Kaide Gordon Suffers Major Injury Blow

Liverpool find themselves navigating another complicated chapter in a demanding season, with confirmation that Kaide Gordon has suffered a torn meniscus. The setback arrives at a time when Arne Slot is already juggling an increasingly stretched attack and rising internal pressures around the squad’s availability.

Injury Concerns Deepen For Slot

Slot’s first Premier League winning campaign offered optimism, but this term has brought tighter margins and fewer certainties. Cody Gakpo’s recent injury, alongside Federico Chiesa’s illness that kept him out of the Inter Milan fixture, has reduced Liverpool’s attacking depth to its bare bones. Chiesa is set to return against Brighton, but Gakpo remains sidelined for several weeks.

The situation might have opened a door for one of the standout performers at U21 level. Gordon had been rediscovering rhythm and confidence, underlined by his bright cameo in the League Cup against Crystal Palace. His performances at youth level have been prolific and his senior experience placed him near the front of the queue for an opportunity. Instead, the Daily Mail report that Kaide Gordon has torn his meniscus in a ‘devastating’ turn of events that leaves Slot with even fewer options.

Gordon’s Progress Interrupted

Gordon’s resurgence had been one of the more encouraging storylines beneath the first team. Goals, sharp movements and renewed belief hinted at a player ready for another step. With Mo Salah preparing for his African Cup of Nations departure and Gakpo unavailable, the timing could hardly have been more important.

But Liverpool now face the reality that he is set for a ‘significant period’ out. That removes any realistic chance of him contributing in the short term and stalls a development arc that had finally begun climbing again. Given how highly Liverpool rate him, this will be particularly disappointing. Senior minutes, whether at Anfield or out on loan, felt within reach. That path is now temporarily closed.

January Decisions Complicated

The injury also disrupts Liverpool’s planning ahead of the January transfer window. The expectation had been that Gordon and the club would explore a loan move to accelerate his progress. That now appears unlikely. Loan suitors generally want players who are ready to contribute immediately and Liverpool will not send out an injured player with recovery still required.

It leaves a talent considered too advanced for U21 football stuck in limbo. Remaining at the club for the rest of the campaign is the most probable scenario, although it is far from ideal. Young players need competitive football, not extended spells of rehabilitation followed by reserve matches. Liverpool know this and Gordon certainly knows it too. This was a window that looked perfect for progression and instead becomes another test of patience.

For Slot, it sharpens an issue already restricting Liverpool’s fluency. For Gordon, it halts momentum at the moment he appeared closest to reigniting his senior trajectory. Liverpool will hope the long term picture still offers a route back into contention when fully fit.