Liverpool’s Injury Worries Grow with Gakpo Doubtful For City Clash | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Injury Woes Deepen Ahead of Manchester City Clash

As Liverpool prepare for a pivotal Premier League encounter against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday, head coach Arne Slot faces mounting injury challenges that could significantly impact team selection and performance.

Cody Gakpo: A Race Against Time

Cody Gakpo, the dynamic forward, has been sidelined for Liverpool’s last two fixtures due to an ankle injury sustained during the Merseyside derby. His absence was notably felt in the recent 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Slot remains hopeful yet cautious about Gakpo’s availability for the upcoming match against City.

“Let’s see. I hope [he will be fit]. I’m not 100 percent sure,” Slot conveyed during his recent press conference. “He hasn’t trained with the team yet; maybe he does a bit today, I don’t know. It will be a close call.”

The potential return of Gakpo is crucial, especially with Diogo Jota still regaining full fitness and Darwin Núñez struggling to find form.

Joe Gomez: Long-Term Absence Confirmed

Defender Joe Gomez’s season has taken a downturn following surgery to address a persistent hamstring issue. The procedure was successful, but Slot indicated that Gomez faces an extended period on the sidelines, potentially returning just before the season concludes.

“Joe Gomez had a surgery for his hamstring injury, so he’s out for a long time,” Slot explained. “He will be back maybe just before the end of the season.”

This development poses a significant challenge to Liverpool’s defensive stability, especially with a congested fixture schedule ahead.

Managing Player Fitness Amidst a Packed Schedule

The injury list doesn’t end with Gomez. Right-back Conor Bradley is expected to miss the clash against Manchester City due to a muscle injury. This situation complicates Slot’s plans to manage Trent Alexander-Arnold’s workload effectively.

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“We spoke about this already a week ago about these five games; he already knew how many minutes he would make,” Slot noted regarding Alexander-Arnold’s playing time. “That was in a situation where Conor was available as well. Now maybe we have to adjust our plan.”

Slot’s strategic substitutions, including taking off Alexander-Arnold during the Villa match, highlight the delicate balance between maintaining player fitness and fielding a competitive team.

Looking Ahead: Tactical Adjustments and Squad Depth

With key players sidelined, Slot may need to explore tactical adjustments and rely on squad depth to navigate the upcoming fixtures. The potential absence of Gakpo and the confirmed unavailability of Gomez and Bradley necessitate a reshuffle in both defence and attack.

Liverpool’s resilience will be tested as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table. The upcoming match against Manchester City is not only a test of skill but also of the squad’s adaptability in the face of adversity.