A significant blow has struck Liverpool’s attack: Cody Gakpo is sidelined for weeks with a muscle injury. The news casts a shadow over the team’s upcoming Premier League clash against Brighton, removing a key creative force from the pitch.
Gakpo’s absence is keenly felt, having already contributed five goals and four assists across all competitions this season. He was notably missing from the squad during Liverpool’s recent 1-0 victory against Inter, a clear indication of the injury’s impact.
Manager Arne Slot confirmed the extent of Gakpo’s injury during a press conference, also revealing that Wataru Endo is battling an ankle issue. While a precise return date remains uncertain, Slot stated Gakpo will be unavailable for “weeks,” adding to the team’s concerns.
A glimmer of positive news emerged regarding Federico Chiesa, who is now available after recovering from a recent illness that kept him out of the Milan match. His return offers some tactical flexibility as Liverpool navigates these injury challenges.
However, the situation surrounding Mohamed Salah remains complex and unresolved. Slot indicated his availability for the Brighton game hinges on a crucial conversation planned for Friday morning.
The tension stems from recent public comments made by Salah following a 3-3 draw with Leeds United. These remarks led to his exclusion from the squad for the Inter match, prompting a need for direct dialogue between player and manager.
Slot emphasized the importance of a private discussion with Salah, stating that further commentary would be inappropriate until after their meeting. He acknowledged extensive conversations have already taken place between Salah’s representatives and the club.
When directly asked about his desire for Salah to remain at Liverpool, Slot offered a firm response: he sees no reason to want the star player to leave. This suggests a willingness to work through the current issues and retain a vital member of the team.
