Liverpool Face PSG with Gakpo’s Availability Still Uncertain | OneFootball

Gakpo Faces Race Against Time for Liverpool’s Champions League Clash

Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions could be dealt a significant blow ahead of their last-16 showdown against Paris Saint-Germain, with Cody Gakpo facing a race against time to prove his fitness. The Dutch forward, second only to Mohamed Salah in the club’s scoring charts this season with 16 goals, has been struggling with ankle discomfort and missed training ahead of the crucial trip to the Parc des Princes on March 5.

Gakpo, however, has travelled with the squad as part of Arne Slot’s 24-man selection, leaving open the possibility of a late decision on his involvement.

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Slot Weighs Up Gakpo’s Availability

Liverpool boss Arne Slot acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Gakpo’s condition but confirmed the player remains under assessment.

“Unfortunately yesterday Cody had to block a shot and felt a bit of pain again,” Slot explained. “We took him with us to judge how he is tomorrow and whether he can be part of the squad. It will be a close call.”

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Liverpool’s medical team will continue to monitor Gakpo, aware of the fine margins in elite football and the impact of losing a player of his calibre. His absence would force Slot into a tactical reshuffle, with Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota likely candidates to step up in attack.

Champions League Heavyweights Collide

Liverpool’s task in Paris is formidable. PSG, under Luis Enrique, have been ruthless in recent weeks, surging into this tie on the back of ten consecutive victories.

Slot admitted that the draw was among the toughest possible, with PSG’s attacking threats making them one of the most dangerous sides in the competition.

“It’s clear because I see PSG as one of the strongest teams in Europe and I think everyone agrees with me if you’ve been watching them in recent months,” Slot said.

The fixture promises to be a battle of attacking heavyweights, with Salah—already on 30 goals this season—going head-to-head with Ousmane Dembélé, who has found the net 26 times.

“It’s a great fixture to look forward to for anyone who loves football,” Slot added. “Both teams have scored so many goals this season. Quite similar playing styles maybe, both teams like to have the ball and work really hard without the ball.”

Slot’s View on Liverpool’s European Standing

Liverpool have a rich Champions League pedigree, but Slot remains realistic about the challenge ahead. While Enrique recently labelled Liverpool as “almost perfect,” Slot was quick to downplay such praise, emphasising that his side still has plenty to prove.

“It’s a nice compliment to get, but the best team in Europe has to win the Champions League, and we are far away from that,” Slot stated. “I think the best team in Europe at the moment is still Real Madrid because they won this competition last season.”

Liverpool’s ability to dominate possession will be tested against a PSG side that presses relentlessly. Slot acknowledges the need for his team to adapt.

“It’s not easy to dominate possession against PSG because they take a lot of risk when they press, they go man v man all over the pitch. We have to adapt really well to what’s in front of us.”

As Liverpool prepare for their toughest European test yet this season, Gakpo’s fitness remains a crucial subplot. Whether he features or not, Slot’s men will need to be at their sharpest to return from Paris with a result.