Nations League 2026: Cody Gakpo, Patrick Dorgu ruled out of international duty post injuries

Cody Gakpo injured his ankle during the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday.  | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo and Denmark international Patrick Dorgu have withdrawn from their respective squads after suffering injuries during Nations League matches.

Gakpo injured his ankle during the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday. The Liverpool forward was substituted after 17 minutes following a challenge from Sasa Lukic.

The Dutch FA confirmed that Gakpo, who has scored 25 goals in 56 appearances for the Netherlands, would return to Liverpool. Coach Xavi Hernandez will not call up a replacement.

Gakpo had scored the Netherlands’ late equaliser in its 1-1 draw with Germany last week. His absence means he will miss the upcoming fixtures against Greece in Thessaloniki on Thursday and Serbia in Eindhoven on Sunday.

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Meanwhile, Manchester United’s defender Patrick Dorgu has also been released from Denmark duty after sustaining an injury in the team’s 2-0 Nations League win over Wales.

The 21-year-old, who can operate as a left winger, left-back or wing-back, was substituted during the first half after appearing to clutch the back of his thigh.

“He has an injury and has to go home. A new one has to be called in,” Denmark coach Brian Riemer told TV2.

Dorgu has featured in all five of United’s Premier League matches this season and provided the assist for Matheus Cunha’s equaliser in its 1-1 draw against Fulham before the international break.