Another one down: what happened to Gakpo

It was never going to be a relaxing international break, was it? Liverpool supporters had barely absorbed the news that Alexander Isak was heading home from Sweden duty when a fresh scare arrived from the Netherlands camp. Cody Gakpo went down unchallenged during a break in play against Serbia, clutching his lower left leg close to the ankle, and was substituted just 16 minutes in. Watching the grimace on his face, it was difficult to feel anything other than that sinking dread that Liverpool fans know all too well during international windows.

The injury appears to have been triggered by an earlier challenge. Gakpo had driven into the Serbia half, riding two challenges in his stride, before being caught by a sliding tackle from Sasa Lukic, the Ipswich Town midfielder picking up a booking for his trouble. Whether that contact planted the seed for what followed, only the medical staff will know, but Gakpo himself clearly felt something was wrong. He signalled to the Dutch bench and that was that.

What is actually at stake here

Depending on the severity of the problem, Gakpo could miss the Netherlands' remaining fixtures in this international window, against Greece on 1 October and the return match with Serbia on 4 October. That would be frustrating enough for national team purposes, but the bigger concern for Liverpool supporters is closer to home. Enzo Maresca's Manchester City side visit Anfield on 11 October in what promises to be one of the fixtures of the autumn, and the thought of going into that without Gakpo firing is not a comfortable one.

The 27-year-old has been in excellent form under head coach Andoni Iraola this season, contributing two goals and four assists across all competitions. Three of those assists have come in the Premier League, including two for Isak during the 2-0 win at Ipswich Town back in September. Losing him for a significant period would be a real blow to Liverpool's rhythm in attack.

The Isak situation adds another layer of concern

As if one injury scare were not enough, Liverpool also confirmed earlier on Tuesday that Isak is returning from international duty with Sweden after picking up a minor injury of his own. The club's statement was measured, describing it as minor and confirming he would be assessed by staff at the AXA Training Centre, but any striker returning early from an international camp is never entirely straightforward news.

The statement read: "Alexander Isak is to return to Liverpool from international duty due to a minor injury. The striker will not be involved in Sweden's three remaining fixtures in the current international break and will now be assessed by club medical staff at the AXA Training Centre."

It is worth remembering the context around both players. Gakpo looked destined to leave Anfield during the summer window before Liverpool moved to block his transfer to Manchester City, after moves for Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr failed to materialise. He repaid that faith immediately and is now central to everything the Reds are building under Iraola. Losing him, even briefly, would matter.

What Liverpool are waiting on now

The Liverpool medical team now faces an anxious few days assessing both players before club football resumes. The hope will be that Isak's issue is genuinely minor and that Gakpo's ankle concern is not as serious as those early images suggested. Both men will be assessed at the AXA Training Centre, and the club will be bracing themselves for news that could significantly shape their options heading into October.

The City fixture looms large. Liverpool will want their best players fit and sharp for it, and right now, that particular conversation just got a lot more complicated.