Cody Gakpo
LIV
Right Winger
Left Winger
Wide Forward
May 7, 1999 (27)
Right
6'4"
168 lb
Could be facing several weeks out
Gakpo will be lucky to avoid a spell on the sidelines with the ankle injury suffered on international duty, according to Luke Thrower of the Liverpool Echo, who cited medical expert Physio Scout's analysis of the tackle by Sasa Lukic that forced his ankle into eversion and external rotation, raising concern for a syndesmosis or high ankle sprain.
Analysis: Gakpo tried to play through the injury before being substituted in the Netherlands' win over Serbia, and reports from his home country suggest a few weeks out is likely, with his availability for Liverpool's Oct. 11 clash against Manchester City now uncertain. He has recorded one goal, three assists and 11 chances created across five Premier League appearances this season, and his potential absence, combined with Hugo Ekitike's long term injury (Achilles) and Federico Chiesa's continued absence (back), would leave Liverpool's attacking depth notably stretched, with Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha likely to see increased opportunities.
Withdraws from Netherlands squad
Gakpo (ankle) has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad after being forced off during Sunday's 2-1 win over Serbia and will miss the remaining two matches of the international window, according to the club.
Analysis: Gakpo will return to Liverpool for further assessment after the ankle injury ended his appearance against Serbia during the first half. His availability for the Oct. 11 clash with Manchester City is now uncertain, with Liverpool also monitoring Alexander Isak's thigh injury. Gakpo has recorded one goal, three assists and 11 chances created across five Premier League appearances this season, making his fitness particularly important to Liverpool's attack. If he remains sidelined after the break, Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha could see increased opportunities on the flanks.
Suffers ankle issue
Gakpo is dealing with an ankle injury after being forced off in Sunday's Nations League match against Serbia, but the severity of the problem is yet to be revealed, with Netherlands coach Xavi commenting after the game "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," per Stephen Killen of the Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Gakpo could miss upcoming games for both club and country, though there's optimism that he won't face a significant absence. With Alexander Isak (thigh) causing further concern in Liverpool's attack, Gakpo's status will be crucial ahead of the next league fixtures. He recently saw action on both wings and was in good form with three goals and four assists over his last eight matches played across all competitions, including his latest two international outings. Two among Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha might feature on the flanks if the injured player is sidelined until after the break.
Forced off injured
Gakpo was forced off in the 17th minute of Sunday's match against Serbia due to an apparent leg injury.
Analysis: Gakpo wouldn't last long Sunday as his Nations League Group Stage match ended due to a rough tackle that injured the attacker's leg. This just adds to a rough international break for Liverpool, as Alexander Isak (thigh) suffered an injury as well, potentially losing two of their top attackers. A further update from Liverpool or the Netherlands should come soon after the match, with the Reds hoping they don't lose a player with four goals in five appearances this season, one of their more important players.
Excellent on the right
Gakpo recorded two shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and three chances created in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Gakpo got the start on the right wing with Bradley Barcola on the left and was excellent. Gakpo didn't get the assist due to a deflection off Florian Wirtz, but he did all the work to set up Alexander Isak for the only goal during the win. Gakpo should remain a huge part of the starting XI as long as he maintains this sort of form.
Impressive in cup victory
Gakpo scored one goal and assisted once during Tuesday's EFL Cup win over Tottenham, with coach Andoni Iraola commenting "Yes, Cody gives us not just the goals and the assists, he gives us also some physicality, he gives us calmness on the ball."
Analysis: Gakpo bounced back from an unproductive league performance and continued his solid overall campaign, with his contributions in the cup clash adding to the lone goal and three assists he achieved over the initial three EPL matches. His current form should help him retain a spot on either wing in the near future, granting him offensive value as part of a strong attacking unit.
Poor off bench
Gakpo recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Fulham.
Analysis: Gakpo came off the bench during Saturday's draw and was busy, but couldn't break down a resolute defense. Gakpo has been excellent to start the season, and now that he's back fit and available he will likely compete for starts. He has a chance to play on both the left and right as Liverpool figure out their best XI.
On bench Saturday
Gakpo (groin) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Fulham.
Analysis: Gakpo passed his late fitness assessment after coach Andoni Iraola confirmed he would train Friday and that a decision would be made on his availability following his absence from the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid. The winger's response to Friday's session was encouraging enough to earn him a spot in the squad, but manager Iraola opted to manage his return carefully given the adductor discomfort that had complicated his situation in recent days, with Gakpo available to provide cover from the bench if needed.
Late call against Fulham
Gakpo (groin) will train Friday and is a late call for Saturday's clash against Fulham, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "[With] Cody we will see. He didn't train yesterday. Today, we will try with him and let's see if he's ready for tomorrow or we need to wait for the next one."
Analysis: Gakpo had missed the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid after finishing a previous match with discomfort in both adductors, an issue manager Iraola described as not serious but complicated by the short turnaround between matches. Bradley Barcola or Rio Ngumoha could start on the left wing if Gakpo is ultimately unable to answer the call to face the Cottagers.
Uncertain for Fulham clash
Gakpo (adductor) remains uncertain for Saturday's Premier League clash against Fulham after missing Wednesday's Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "I don't know [if he will be back for Fulham]. I hope so, but I don't know. He doesn't have a proper injury, but he finished with niggles in both of the adductors the other day. It's not a big thing, but the problem is we play here again in two days and a half. So, I hope we can have Cody with us, but I cannot guarantee it."
Analysis: Gakpo missed Wednesday's Champions League contest after experiencing discomfort in both adductors, though the issue is not considered serious. The short turnaround before Saturday leaves his availability uncertain, with Liverpool set to assess him over the next couple of days. Bradley Barcola or Rio Ngumoha could start on the left wing if Gakpo is unable to face Fulham.
Missing Wednesday
Gakpo (undisclosed) is out for Wednesday's match against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Gakpo is not with his team for the UCL opener after he was out of training due to precautionary measures, raising some worries about his health moving forward. The hope is that he just misses the one game to make a quick turnaround, not being risked in the first match of UCL play. However, this is undetermined, with Liverpool taking the field next against Fulham on Saturday.
Misses training as precaution
Gakpo did not take part in Liverpool's session Tuesday, with his absence described as precautionary, according to Ian Doyle of Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Gakpo skipped Tuesday's session with what has been described as a minor issue, and with no comment from Andoni Iraola in the pre-match media session, there is no indication the club considers it serious. That leaves his involvement against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday uncertain. The winger has started the season strongly with a goal and three assists in the Premier League, including both assists in the 2-0 win at Ipswich. If he is fit enough for tomorrow, a place on the bench is the most likely outcome, which could allow Bradley Barcola or Rio Ngumoha to start.
Pair of assists in win
Gakpo assisted twice to go with one shot (zero on goal) and three chances created in Friday's 2-0 victory against Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Gakpo provided a pair of assists in the opening 10 minutes of Friday's clash. The winger has been brilliant to start the season, which puts boss Andoni Iraola in an interesting spot after the signing of Bradley Barcola, presumably for the same role as Gakpo. With Liverpool competing across numerous competitions it's likely that the two will rotate throughout the campaign.
Assists from right
Gakpo assisted once to go with five crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Gakpo got the start on the right wing, which is on-paper his off flank, but looked excellent. He was able to beat his man repeatedly and set up Alexander Isak for the opening goal of Saturday's match. Gakpo has been linked with a move to Manchester City and Tottenham, but with two goal contributions in two matches Liverpool could decide they don't want to move him on.
Scores in opener
Gakpo scored one goal to go with six shots (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and three chances created in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.
Analysis: Gakpo has been linked with a move away from Liverpool throughout the summer, but he showed just how valuable he can be during Sunday's opener. He scored and was the man of the match during the two-all draw, creating constant threat off the left wing. Rumors continue to swirl, but Gakpo has plenty of upside as long as he stays in the starting XI.
Two goal contributions in friendly
Gakpo scored and assisted in Sunday's friendly match against Como as Liverpool closed their preparation for the season opener versus Newcastle.
Analysis: Gakpo has made a positive impact in the latest practice games after returning to work with his club following his World Cup participation for the Netherlands. During the summer competition, he tallied three goals and one assist over four matches played, and the strong offseason run strengthened his position as one of Liverpool's most appealing forwards. His versatility and his involvement in chance creation in the final third make him a complete contributor who could feature either on the left wing or in the middle zone, potentially racking up offensive stats if the team finds consistency at the start of the season.
Ready for new season
Gakpo is back with Liverpool for preseason at the AXA Training Centre, according to the club.
Analysis: Gakpo finished the World Cup with three goals on six shots and one assist on three chances created, closing the gap to just one goal shy of tying the all time Dutch World Cup scoring record with his six. His return to Liverpool training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he looks to carry that scoring form into the new 2026/27 Premier League season under new coach Andoni Iraola.
Scores in World Cup elimination
Gakpo recorded one goal on one shot to go along with a cross in Monday's 1-1 (3-4) penalty shootout loss to Morocco.
Analysis: Gakpo would find the back of the net for the Dutch as they captured an early lead Monday before their eventual loss, scoring in the 72nd minute. He would be subbed off before the penalty shootout as he struggled before cramps, likely needed for the shootout after two misses and a save. He ends his World Cup with a decent three goals on six shots and one assist on three chances created, now only one off of tying the all-time Dutch record for World Cup goals with his six.
Sends in four crosses in Tunisia clash
Gakpo had two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 3-1 win versus Tunisia.
Analysis: Gakpo took a step back from his previous stellar showing, but he was still a big part of the offense and put up decent stats in the final third, although some of his teammates were more impactful in this one. He has posted multiple shots, amassing nine (five on target), and crosses, racking up 11 (three accurate), and created one chance in all three appearances. He had a brace and assisted once against Sweden.
Brilliant in rout
Gakpo scored two goals and assisted once from five shots and one chance created in Saturday's 5-1 victory versus Sweden.
Analysis: Gakpo was incredible throughout Saturday's win, scoring twice and adding an assist. The winger was at his absolute best in the total domination of Sweden. The winger is in red-hot form and is poised to build off this as Netherlands progress further in the World Cup. Gakpo seems to be back in form after a disappointing club campaign.
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