Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Confirms Cody Gakpo’s Absence
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a crucial Cody Gakpo injury update ahead of the club’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Wednesday night. The in-form winger, who has been an integral part of Liverpool’s attacking setup, was absent from the squad during Sunday’s Premier League victory over Wolves due to a knock and will remain sidelined for the upcoming fixture.
Gakpo has flourished under Slot’s management after struggling to secure a regular starting spot last season. The Dutch forward has become Liverpool’s first-choice option on the left flank, forcing Luis Diaz into an unfamiliar central role to accommodate both players in the starting eleven.
However, Slot has officially ruled Gakpo out of the squad for Aston Villa, stating that the winger remains “unavailable” despite making good progress in his recovery.
Cody Gakpo’s Expected Return Date Revealed
Although Cody Gakpo will miss the Villa fixture, Slot offered some optimism regarding his return. The Liverpool boss revealed that Gakpo is close to being back, suggesting that the Dutch international could be available for selection in time for the highly anticipated Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on 23 February.
This news comes as a significant boost for Liverpool, who will need all their attacking firepower when they take on Pep Guardiola’s City in a crucial title-race encounter.
Liverpool’s Likely Lineup Without Cody Gakpo
With Gakpo unavailable, Luis Diaz is expected to continue occupying the left-wing position, while either Diogo Jota or Darwin Nunez will lead the line. Additionally, Curtis Jones is back from suspension, having missed the Wolves clash due to the red card he received in the heated Merseyside derby against Everton.
Joe Gomez’s Injury Woes Continue
While there is positive news regarding Cody Gakpo, Liverpool fans received a major blow concerning Joe Gomez’s injury status. The versatile defender is expected to miss most of the remainder of the season due to a persistent hamstring problem, which could even require surgery.
Gomez has struggled with injuries throughout his Liverpool career, but last season he managed to stay fit and played an impressive 51 matches across all competitions. Unfortunately, his fitness issues resurfaced in 2024, and he lasted just 11 minutes during his attempted comeback in the FA Cup clash against Plymouth Argyle earlier this month.
Will Joe Gomez Require Surgery?
Speaking about Gomez’s injury, Slot confirmed that the club is still assessing whether the defender will need to undergo surgery.
“He will miss large parts of the end of the season, but we expect him to be back. He might need surgery, but that’s something we still have to assess.”
Slot acknowledged how difficult this setback has been for Gomez, adding:
“It was a big blow for us and for him. He tried to do everything to be with the team and worked hard. Then, in his first game back, he makes a sprint and now he’s out for a while. It’s very hard for a player at any point in the season, especially now.”
Liverpool’s Defensive Concerns Mount
With Joe Gomez facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Liverpool’s defensive depth will be tested as they approach a crucial stretch of the season. Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joel Matip will now shoulder the defensive responsibilities, while youngsters like Jarell Quansah could be called upon to step up in Gomez’s absence.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
As Liverpool prepare for their Aston Villa showdown, fans will be hoping that Gakpo recovers in time for the Manchester City fixture, while Gomez’s condition continues to be monitored. With the title race heating up, every injury setback could prove crucial in determining Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes this season.
