Liverpool F.C. Face a potential injury blow to key forward Cody Gakpo just 24 hours before their UEFA Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid at Anfield. Gakpo was absent from the squad's final training session on Tuesday, casting major doubt over his availability for the important European fixture.
The Dutch international has been an important figure in Liverpool's solid, if unspectacular, start to the Premier League season. The Reds currently sit sixth in the table with five points from three games, having recorded one win and two draws. Their recent form reads WDD, and they have scored six goals while conceding four, leaving them four points behind early leaders Manchester City.
Cody Gakpo's potential unavailability is a significant concern for manager Andoni Iraola. The 27-year-old has contributed one goal and three assists in just 251 league minutes this season. Iraola, the former Bournemouth boss, has utilised Gakpo's versatility on both the wing and as a central striker, making him a flexible attacking option.
If Gakpo is ruled out, Iraola must find a solution from within his squad. One option could be to hand a full debut to the club's £123 million summer signing, Bradley Barcola. Another possibility is promoting 18-year-old academy prospect Rio Ngumoha, who has been training with the first team. These potential changes come as Liverpool prepare for a busy period, with a home match against Fulham in the Premier League scheduled for September 12th. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures page.
While the immediate focus is on the Atletico Madrid match, a separate piece of news concerning midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has emerged. The Argentine international revealed in an interview that he is unlikely to stay at the club beyond the end of his current contract, which expires in the summer of 2028. Mac Allister stated, "I am not likely to remain at the club beyond the end of my current deal."
He elaborated that he considered leaving Anfield this summer after being informed he would not be offered a new contract before his existing one runs out. "I considered leaving Anfield this summer after I was informed that I will not be given a new contract before my current deal expires in the summer of 2028," Mac Allister said. The player admitted this stance from the club made him sad, particularly as fellow midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai were awarded new deals.
Since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion for £35 million in the summer of 2023, Alexis Mac Allister has been a mainstay in the Liverpool midfield. He has made 153 appearances for the club, becoming a trusted figure in the engine room. His potential departure at the end of his contract would mark the end of a significant five-year stint at Anfield, and his current situation adds another layer of narrative to a season where Liverpool are aiming to close the gap at the top of the standings.
Andoni Iraola's tactical setup will be tested if Gakpo is unavailable. The manager's preference for flexible forwards means the roles of other attackers may shift. Bradley Barcola's potential introduction would be a major moment for the expensive signing, requiring him to adapt quickly to the intensity of Champions League football. Meanwhile, the possible involvement of Rio Ngumoha would signal a show of faith in the club's youth development pathway. The manager's decision will be closely watched as Liverpool seek a positive start in Europe to complement their domestic campaign, where they next face a Fulham side currently 19th in the table. The full roster of available players can be viewed on the official squad list.
Liverpool's Champions League Group Stage begins at home against Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
