Liverpool Faces Setback as Cody Gakpo Leaves International Match Early with Injury

Liverpool now have another injury to worry about after Cody Gakpo exited early in the Netherlands' 2-1 victory over Serbia. This comes amid an extended international break already causing fitness issues for several players.

According to BBC Football, Gakpo lasted just 17 minutes before leaving the field, clutching the lower part of his right leg and grimacing in pain. For Liverpool, that detail is especially worrying. Players leaving internationals early always raise red flags, and it’s particularly concerning given how sharply Gakpo had started this season.

He has scored twice and provided four assists across six matches in all competitions so far, standing out as one of Liverpool’s most dangerous attacking threats in the opening weeks. With new manager Andoni Iraola recently appointed, maintaining player availability is as important as form. Continuity and consistent training matter deeply to a coach just settling in, something international football often disrupts.

Details on Gakpo’s Injury

The Netherlands manager, Xavi Hernández, confirmed a scan was scheduled for Monday. “It’s his ankle, that’s all I know,” Hernández said. “Tomorrow we will know more, but hopefully it’s not serious.”

That statement is cautious but doesn’t offer much reassurance. International managers often downplay injuries until tests are complete. Until Liverpool’s medical team examines Gakpo, there’s little certainty, yet the early signs merit close attention.

Wider Problem: The Toll of Extended International Fixtures

This issue isn’t unique to Liverpool. Clubs pay players’ wages, bear injury risks, and then watch anxiously during these long breaks hoping stars return unharmed. The 2026-27 international schedule worsens this problem by stretching the first break over three weeks, packing four matches into a span usually reserved for two. More games mean increased travel, workload, and chances for injury.

Other Notable Injuries During the Break

• Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) missed Portugal’s game against Norway after playing injured against Wales; Portugal’s coach said Fernandes carried the injury into the Wales match and really wanted to play.
• Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United) left Denmark’s 2-0 win over Wales after 30 minutes due to injury.
• Kai Havertz (Arsenal) and Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey suffered injuries during the Netherlands-Germany draw.
• Dan Ballard (Sunderland) picked up a hamstring injury while representing Northern Ireland.
• Kylian Mbappe (France) is sidelined for at least two weeks with a knee injury.
• Jamal Musiala withdrew from Germany’s warm-up against the Netherlands due to a muscle problem.

This pattern shows a systemic issue affecting clubs throughout Europe.

A Small Relief for Liverpool

Alexander Isak has returned early from Sweden duty following a minor thigh complaint. He played 90 minutes and scored in Sweden’s 2-1 win over Romania but will miss the rest of the break to recover and be assessed back at Kirkby.

Isak’s cautious approach makes sense. There’s no benefit in pushing players through September only to face bigger problems later in the autumn. Liverpool need their forwards healthy, especially as Iraola tries to build rhythm and patterns within the squad after a summer full of changes.

Looking Ahead

Right now, all eyes are on the scan results for Gakpo. Liverpool must hope for a minor ankle issue, a swift recovery for Isak’s thigh, and strong oversight from their medical staff. While this sounds straightforward, it’s a serious test of the squad’s resilience during a fragile period under new leadership.

As a fan, this situation strains patience with the international calendar. Gakpo’s promising start, Isak’s early return, and now waiting on injury reports illustrate how stretched the schedule feels. Iraola needs uninterrupted training time with his forwards, but ongoing disruptions make that difficult.

The crowded international window, with four matches squeezed into three weeks, seems to tip the balance too far. If players are dropping out injured this early in the season, someone surely needs to rethink the setup.