Arne Slot shares Cody Gakpo update in early Liverpool team news v Man City
Liverpool had to settle to playing without Cody Gakpo against Aston Villa on Wednesday, despite Arne Slot’s hopes that he would be available.
The Reds were able to score a goal in the 61st minute to draw away at Villa Park but the Dutchman will want his side in top form as they take on Manchester City on Sunday (23 February).
While City aren’t a side in great form this term, Liverpool will also be disappointed with their recent results making this a perfect opportunity to bounce back.
Late call to be made on Cody Gakpo v Man City
Gakpo has been missing for Liverpool’s last two games now, a 2-1 win against Wolves and the draw with Villa.
This came after he was withdrawn from action through injury against Everton in the dramatic Merseyside Derby they drew 2-2.
Slot had hoped Gakpo would be available for the Aston Villa clash, but he was not even in the squad.
Otherwise, the Reds have a fairly clean bill of health but that won’t stop supporters from wanting a key player fit to push them further.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference (20 February), Slot confirmed that he is still unsure on the forward’s availability as he said: “Let’s see.
“I hope [he’s available], I’m not 100 per cent sure. He hasn’t trained with the team yet. Maybe he does a bit today.
“I don’t know exactly. It will be a close call.”
Cody Gakpo a key player for Liverpool this season
Gakpo has been a standout player in an impressive Liverpool side this term and has contributed eight goals and three assists in 24 Premier League appearances.
The 25-year-old has consistently been performing to a high level which has earned him plenty of praise and calls for man-of-the-match after his performances.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that the boss is constantly talking about the forward in his press conferences as people ponder whether he will be available for the Reds as he would provide a big boost.
Although the Merseyside outfit are still sitting comfortably in the table, with performances having taken a bit of a dip of late, the boss will be keen to have the option to throw something different in there.
Darwin Nunez provided a disappointing display for Liverpool against Villa, being critiqued for a massive chance he missed in the game which may have left Slot longing for another option even more.
That being said, Slot’s team are still picking up results and therefore, it’s not worth risking it and bringing Gakpo back any earlier than he is ready for.
Games are coming thick and fast through this period of the season and with a cup final at Wembley next month, it is vital not to cause any longer-term damage by rushing a recovery.