Liverpool make Cody Gakpo decision after injury concern | OneFootball

Liverpool were dealt a major blow for their Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers after losing the in-form Cody Gakpo to injury.

The Dutchman has been in wonderful form for Arne Slot's table-topping side, returning 16 goals across all competitions, including eight in the Premier League, after establishing himself as a regular starter on the left flank.

Gakpo was withdrawn from Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday, with Slot revealing in his pre-match press conference that the 25-year-old had asked to come off because of an injury.

Slot didn't specify at the time what Gakpo's issue was, but the former PSV Eindhoven was not named in Liverpool's squad when it was announced just over an hour before kick-off – Diogo Jota his replacement.

Liverpool are without the suspended Curtis Jones, courtesy of an after the final whistle red card against Everton, and the injured duo of Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton ahead of a vitally important game. Trent Alexander-Arnold comes back into the starting lineup, replacing Conor Bradley.

The pressure to overcome struggling Wolves was increased by Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday, courtesy of a brace from makeshift centre forward Mikel Merino. The Spaniard was introduced with just over 20 minutes to go and soon broke the deadlock to cut Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League table to just four points.

Liverpool's form heading into the weekend has been steady but unspectacular, perhaps owing to an incredibly congested schudule. Slot's side have maintained their unbeaten Premier League run, which stretches back to September, but have dropped points in three of their last six matches.

Recent away wins over home specialists Brentford and in-form Bournemouth have shown Liverpool's sterner side, though, with Arsenal continuing to keep their foot on the gas despite losing Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz to injury over the past couple of months.

🚨 Liverpool starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Diaz.