The thing club fans fear, above all else, during international breaks is players picking up injuries while away with their countries. Well, in a potentially nightmarish situation for Andoni Iraola, have Liverpool lost two of their very best players in the space of only a few hours?
On Sunday evening, Cody Gakpo was included in the Netherlands' starting lineup for their UEFA Nations League clash with Serbia at Stadion Rajko Mitić. The 27 year old will have been on a high, after volleying home a 92nd minute equaliser to pinch a point against Jürgen Klopp's Germany in Amsterdam on Thursday night.
However, Gakpo's involvement in Belgrade did not last very long. Following a heavy challenge from Ipswich Town midfielder Saša Lukić, which saw Polish referee Szymon Marciniak brandish a yellow card, the Liverpool attacker had to be withdrawn. This agricultural tackle came just 12 minutes into the game and, less than five minutes later, Gakpo signalled to the bench that has evening was over, replaced by Ruben van Bommel.
At the time of publication, the Oranje lead Serbia 1-0 at half time, courtesy of a spot-kick converted by striker Mexx Meerdink. Xavi's team subsequently face Greece in Thessaloniki and then Serbia again in Eindhoven next Sunday during the remainder of this gigantic international break, but Gakpo is surely very unlikely to be involved.
More pertinently for Kopites, will this injury prevent Gakpo from player for Liverpool, once club football returns? Well, at this stage, we just don't know. The Reds are next in action on 11 October, welcoming Manchester City to Anfield in almost exactly a fortnight from right now. Given recent reports, the Anfield atmosphere is likely to be even more febrile than usual, perhaps 114 times more febrile.
However, following something of a nightmare day for Iraola, his attacking options for that huge game could be severely depleted. Alongside his family, the Liverpool head coach was at Anfield on Sunday, watching on as the women's team beat Everton 2-0 in the WSL Merseyside derby.
Andoni Iraola showing his support as Liverpool take on Everton at Anfield in the WSL! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/sgHymstPpr
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 27, 2026
Earlier in the day, it had been confirmed by Graham Potter that Alexander Isak has withdrawn from the Sweden squad due to a minor groin injury. The striker has scored four times for the Reds this season, also on target against Romania at the Nationalarenan on Friday night, but may have suffered yet another injury set back during that win in Solna.
Were Liverpool to be without Isak and Gakpo for the Man City match, or any subsequent games, this would be disastrous for their hopes of victory. Fans can merely pray that two weeks is enough time for both to heal.
Add us as a preferred source on Google