Arne Slot shares early Liverpool team news v Aston Villa: Cody Gakpo update
Cody Gakpo was sorely missed as Liverpool struggled to a 2-1 win against Wolves at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Games are coming thick and fast, so with a trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday (19 February), Arne Slot will be keen to see his side raise their standards in the Premier League.
With improvement needed, the boss will certainly want to have his strongest side available, including Gakpo who missed out entirely against Wolves.
Cody Gakpo availability update for Liverpool v Aston Villa
Gakpo was unavailable for the win over Wolves after Slot confirmed the 25-year-old picked up a knock in the Merseyside Derby draw against Everton.
The Reds have a near-clean bill of health going into the Villa Park clash but Slot will be desperate to see more control from his side, as they look to extend their seven-point gap at the top of the Premier League.
Speaking via Birmingham Live, Slot shared an update on Gakpo with doubts emerging already: “Under debate.
“It’s fast, Wednesday already, so let’s wait and see. It wasn’t a soft knock then.”
Cody Gakpo is a key part of Liverpool success
The forward has had a strong season with Liverpool this term, scoring eight goals and contributing three assists in 24 Premier League appearances.
The 25-year-old has kept his standards high throughout the season so far and produced several man-of-the-match standard performances for Liverpool.
With that in mind, Slot will be keen to have his man back as soon as possible, especially to provide the Merseyside outfit with the opportunity to rotate players when necessary to juggle the period ahead.
That being said, with an otherwise general clean bill of health it does take the pressure off the boss and doesn’t force him to rush a player back sooner than he needs to.
With a Carabao Cup final edging closer for Liverpool, they need to have as many of their core players available as possible as they look for their first bit of silverware under Slot’s management.
Diogo Jota was back in the thick of the action against his former side, causing controversy when adjudged to have dived to try to win a penalty by VAR.
Darwin Nunez is also another option, but Gakpo has been the standout star of that trio this season and his availability at Anfield will be key to the Premier League title push.