/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F09%2Fcody-gakpo-6-6ab94ec20cc27250773027.jpg "Liverpool Face Fitness Assessments for Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak")
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and striker Alexander Isak face fitness assessments after sustaining injuries while representing their respective national teams during the September 2026 international break. Gakpo suffered an ankle injury playing for the Netherlands against Serbia, while Isak withdrew from the Sweden squad due to a minor thigh problem ahead of domestic fixtures.
Cody Gakpo Suffers Ankle Injury in Netherlands Victory
Cody Gakpo sustained a left ankle injury during the Netherlands’ 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory against Serbia on September 27, 2026, according to ESPN.
Gakpo was seen wincing in pain before signaling to the bench and sitting on the pitch. Netherlands manager Xavi Hernández addressed the substitution after the match, stating to ESPN: “It’s his ankle, that’s all I know. Tomorrow we will know, but hopefully it’s not too important.”
The 27-year-old forward had previously scored in the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw against Germany on September 24 during Xavi’s opening match in charge. Because the issue stems from a contact mechanism, return timelines remain uncertain.
Alexander Isak Withdraws From Sweden Squad With Thigh Issue
Liverpool teammate Alexander Isak has also returned to club headquarters after picking up a fitness issue on international duty with Sweden. According to a club statement published by ESPN, Isak is dealing with a “minor injury” to his thigh and will miss Sweden’s remaining three fixtures in the international window.
The striker is set to undergo evaluations by medical staff at the AXA Training Centre.
Impact on Liverpool’s Premier League Schedule
Both forwards have produced strong performances at the start of the domestic season, leaving club management facing squad depth challenges. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola monitors both players as the club prepares for a demanding stretch of fixtures, including a key Premier League match against Manchester City scheduled for October 11, 2026, according to Sports Mole.
The Merseyside club faces a minimum of 19 fixtures across all competitions between the conclusion of the international break and the turn of the year, amplifying the potential impact of any extended absences for Gakpo or Isak.
Worth a look