Cody Gakpo ankle injury sidelines Liverpool forward, threatens Netherlands Euro 2028 push

Background: Gakpo’s rise and his dual footballing identity

Cody Gakpo arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2023 after a prolific spell with PSV Eindhoven, where he helped the Dutch champions win the Eredivisie and reach the Champions League quarter‑finals. His blend of speed, aerial ability and a keen eye for goal quickly made him a regular starter on the Reds’ front line, complementing Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez in a trio that has been central to Liverpool’s recent resurgence in the Premier League.

Born in Eindhoven to Surinamese parents, Gakpo is part of a growing cohort of players with Caribbean‑African roots who have become icons for both European clubs and the broader African diaspora. His success is frequently highlighted in Dutch media as a testament to the multicultural fabric of the national team, and his performances are followed closely by fans in Suriname, the Netherlands, and among the African diaspora across Europe and North America.

The injury incident: what happened on Sunday

During Liverpool’s 2‑1 home win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, Gakpo collided with a defender while attempting a low drive into the box. He was forced to leave the pitch after a visible grimace and a limp, clutching his right ankle. Medical staff confirmed an “ankle sprain” but declined to disclose the severity, prompting both Liverpool and the Dutch FA to await further scans.

The timing of the injury is especially inconvenient. Liverpool are currently sitting third in the Premier League, just three points behind leaders Manchester City, and are preparing for a Champions League group‑stage match against Inter Milan next week. Meanwhile, the Netherlands are due to play a crucial Euro 2028 qualifying fixture against Poland on 13 October, a game that could determine their seeding for the final tournament.

Immediate implications for Liverpool’s campaign

Jurgen Klopp’s side has been grappling with a spate of injuries to attacking players this season, including the loss of Diogo Jota to a hamstring strain and a lingering thigh issue for Núñez. Gakpo’s absence narrows Klopp’s options, forcing him to rely more heavily on Salah’s creativity and the versatility of new signing Darwin, who has struggled to replicate his Serie A form in England.

If Gakpo’s ankle requires a prolonged lay‑off, Liverpool could be forced to dip into the transfer market before the summer window closes. According to reports from The Athletic, the club’s scouting department has identified several forward options, but financial constraints after a heavy investment in the 2023‑24 season may limit their ability to sign a direct replacement.

Beyond the tactical side, Gakpo’s injury could affect Liverpool’s commercial appeal in the Netherlands and Suriname. The club’s partnership with Dutch apparel brand O'Neill and a growing fan base in the Caribbean‑African community are partly driven by Gakpo’s profile, meaning his sidelining could have a modest impact on merchandise sales and viewership numbers.

Stakes for the Netherlands national team

Gakpo has become a linchpin for the Dutch side under manager Ronald Koeman, especially after the retirement of Robin van Persie‑era forwards. He finished the 2025‑26 Nations League as the top scorer for the Netherlands, and his versatility—able to play as a winger or a central striker—has given Koeman tactical flexibility.

The upcoming Euro 2028 qualifier against Poland is a must‑win, as both teams are vying for the top spot in Group B. If Gakpo is unavailable, Koeman may have to reshuffle the attack, possibly promoting forward Brian Brobbey or reverting to a more traditional 4‑3‑3 with Davy Klaassen pulling the strings. Sources close to the Dutch FA say that the coaching staff is already reviewing contingency plans, but they acknowledge that losing Gakpo would diminish the team’s goal‑threat from the flanks.

Moreover, the injury raises questions about squad depth ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, where the Netherlands are expected to be among the favourites. A prolonged recovery could force Koeman to look beyond his current pool, potentially opening doors for younger talents from the Dutch Caribbean and African diaspora academies.

Why the injury matters to the African diaspora and Surinamese community

Gakpo’s Surinamese heritage makes him a rare figure of representation for a community that has produced legends like Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids and Ruud Gullit, yet often receives limited media focus outside Europe. In Suriname, his performances are celebrated as a source of national pride, and his social media following includes thousands of young athletes who see a pathway to top‑level football.

The ankle injury therefore resonates beyond the pitch. Community leaders in Paramaribo have previously highlighted Gakpo’s role in encouraging youth participation in sport, arguing that his visibility helps combat social challenges such as unemployment and crime. A prolonged absence could dampen that motivational impact, at least temporarily.

On the diaspora front, African‑American and Afro‑European fans have increasingly embraced Gakpo as part of a broader movement that celebrates Black talent in traditionally white‑dominant football cultures. As the Premier League continues to market itself to global audiences, especially in Africa and the Caribbean, the loss of a high‑profile Black forward could affect viewership metrics that clubs and broadcasters track closely.

What’s next: scans, recovery timeline and potential fallout

Liverpool’s medical team is expected to release MRI results within 48 hours, according to a source close to the club. If the scans reveal a Grade‑2 ligament sprain, the typical recovery window is four to six weeks, which would see Gakpo miss the Champions League tie and the early stages of the Euro qualifier campaign. A more severe Grade‑3 tear could extend his absence to three months, jeopardising his participation in the remainder of the Premier League season.

Should Gakpo be ruled out for an extended period, both Liverpool and the Dutch FA may consider short‑term loan deals or emergency signings, a scenario not unheard of in modern football. The Premier League’s winter transfer window opens on 1 January 2027, but clubs can request special dispensation for injury‑related signings outside that window, a route Liverpool have explored in the past.

Fans are already voicing their concerns on social media, with Dutch supporters urging the national team to protect Gakvo’s long‑term health, while Liverpool supporters are calling for a swift but cautious rehabilitation plan. The next few days will determine whether Gakpo’s ankle injury remains a minor setback or becomes a defining moment in his career and the fortunes of two major footballing institutions.

Quick Answers

How long is Cody Gakpo expected to be out after his ankle injury?
If the scan shows a Grade‑2 sprain, recovery could take four to six weeks; a Grade‑3 tear could sideline him for up to three months.

Will Gakpo miss Liverpool’s upcoming Champions League match?
The club expects to have a medical update within 48 hours, but a moderate sprain would likely keep him out of the next Champions League game.

How does Gakpo’s injury affect the Netherlands Euro 2028 qualifiers?
His absence would force manager Ronald Koeman to adjust the attack for the crucial qualifier against Poland, potentially reducing the team’s goal‑scoring options.

Source: www.espn.com