Liverpool are hopeful that Cody Gakpo will be able to face Manchester City in their upcoming meeting as the Premier League resumes after the international break. The Scousers need big names in the team to be prepared to take on this challenge since they have important games ahead of them.
Gakpo was included in the Netherlands’ roster for last week’s qualifications against France and Gibraltar for the 2024 European Championship. He was forced to leave the team on Thursday along with four other players, including Sven Botman, Matthijs de Ligt, Joey Veerman, and Bart Verbruggen. The reason for the forced dropout is termed “a virus.”
The announcement may have been a setback for Liverpool, who will play Manchester City on April 1. Gakpo, according to the report from Football Insider, will be completely healed in time for the match against the Sky Blues.
Ronald Koeman couldn’t count on Cody Gakpo
A day before the Netherlands’ first qualifying match, Cody Gakpo, Matthijs de Ligt, Sven Botman, Joey Veerman, and Bart Verbruggen were all forced to withdraw from the team due to illness.
Due to injuries, Koeman also had to manage the absence of Frenkie de Jong and Steven Bergwijn. As a result, substitute Donyell Malen, Stefan de Vrij, Ryan Gravenberch, and Kjell Scherpen were also called up.
The Word Cup 2022 Runner-ups took the advantage and established a 4-0 scoreline over the Netherlands.
On Monday night at home against Gibraltar, Netherlands will play its next qualifier for Euro 2024 in an effort to avenge their humiliating loss to France.
On Friday, Gibraltar lost 3-0 to Greece in their opening Group B encounter, while Holland lost 4-0 to France in their opening match of the group.
A desire for a top-four finish?
Since moving to Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January, Gakpo has displayed strong play, tallying four goals in nine Premier League games. Among them are two breathtaking goals in a 7-0 victory over Manchester United.
The news that Gakpo is anticipated to heal quickly and be available for Liverpool’s forthcoming match against Manchester City will excite the club’s supporters. Gakpo has been in excellent form lately, and Klopp will be hoping he can keep it up and help Liverpool win a critical match in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
