Liverpool’s Gakpo withdraws from Netherlands squad due to injury

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad due to injury and will return to his club for further assessment.

The Dutch football federation, KNVB, confirmed that Gakpo is not fit enough to remain with the squad for the rest of the international window.

The Netherlands have also decided not to call up a replacement for the Liverpool forward.

Gakpo was forced off early during the Netherlands’ 2-1 Nations League victory over Serbia in Belgrade after appearing to twist his ankle following a challenge from Serbia midfielder Sasa Lukic.

The Liverpool star tried to continue after the incident but was eventually replaced by Ruben van Bommel shortly afterwards.

The injury has now ruled Gakpo out of the Netherlands’ remaining fixtures during the international break, with the forward set to return to Liverpool for further medical assessment.

The development is another injury concern for Liverpool, with striker Alexander Isak also withdrawing from the Sweden squad earlier in the international window due to a minor injury.

Isak played the full match as Sweden defeated Romania 2-1 on Friday but will miss the country’s next three Nations League matches and is expected to be assessed by Liverpool’s medical staff.

Liverpool are scheduled to return to action against Manchester City on October 1.