Ankle injury forces Gakpo out of Dutch squad

Liverpool midfielder Cody Gakpo has withdrawn from the Netherlands national team's squad due to an ankle injury, exacerbating the club's growing list of injuries. The incident occurred during the Netherlands' 2-1 victory over Serbia in the Nations League on Sunday, when Gakpo suffered the injury during the first half. Liverpool's medical team has assessed Gakpo, who will return to the club for further evaluation.

According to Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez, the injury does not appear to be severe, but reports suggest Gakpo could be sidelined for several weeks. Gakpo's withdrawal from international duty means he will not participate in the remaining two matches of the current international period. The injury follows Liverpool's own setback, with striker Alexander Isak also withdrawing from Sweden's squad due to a minor injury sustained during his team's 2-1 win over Romania.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola hopes both Isak and Gakpo will recover in time for the team's next Premier League match against Manchester City on October 11. Liverpool faces a potential attacking crisis if the pair do not return promptly after the international break, as Hugo Ekitike is sidelined with an Achilles injury, and Federico Chiesa has been ruled out since the start of pre-season.