Manager has now provided significant 21-word verdict on severity of fresh Liverpool injury blow

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Liverpool have suffered a big concern over the fitness of Cody Gakpo on international duty, with Netherlands manager Xavi now providing a new update. Liverpool suffered a blow on Sunday evening, with Gakpo suffering an ankle problem during the Netherlands’ 2-1 win away to Serbia, and being substituted with just 17 minutes on the clock.

Tomorrow we will know, but hopefully it’s not too important.” Meanwhile, in the same report, journalist James Pearce confirmed that Gakpo “will undergo a scan on Monday to establish the extent of the ankle injury”, also saying that it is an “added concern for Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola after striker Alexander Isak withdrew from the Sweden squad earlier on Sunday due to a thigh problem.” A cruel time for Cody Gakpo to pick up an injury This is such bad luck for Gakpo, who has made an excellent start to the season for Liverpool, responding admirably to not getting a summer move to Manchester City. Gakpo has already scored twice and bagged four assists this season, with the Dutchman finding his best form, and his efforts haven’t been lost on Jamie Carragher, who has said: “Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo.” Hopefully, the winger’s scan comes back with positive news, putting him strongly in contention to start for Liverpool when they host City after the international break.

On current form, Gakpo feels like a shoo-in in the Reds’ strongest starting lineup, with Bradley Barcola still finding his feet in the Premier League, and Rio Ngumoha not quite getting going yet this season. Fingers crossed, Gakpo is only out for a short period and his removal from Netherlands duty was more precautionary than anything, but it is hard not to be concerned after such a promising run of form.