Liverpool handed another injury blow as Cody Gakpo forced off during Nations League

Forward lasted less than 20 minutes against Serbia

Cody Gakpo was forced off with an injury just 17 minutes into the Netherlands’ Nations League match against Serbia.

The Liverpool forward started the match in Belgrade, doing so for the second time this international break, but had to leave the pitch with the game still deadlocked.

He was subject to a heavy tackle from Sasa Lukic after 12 minutes, for which the Fulham man was booked, and attempted to play on.

Just five minutes later, though, he signalled to the bench that he could not continue, went down to receive treatment and was replaced by PSV’s Ruben van Bommel. He was pictured holding his left ankle before trainers attended.

It is yet another blow for Liverpool, after Alexander Isak left Sweden’s camp on Saturday night with a thigh injury of his own.

Gakpo’s injury also comes after Jeremie Frimpong was left out of Der Oranje’s matchday squad, but it is unclear whether this was a fitness or sporting decision.

The Reds will hope it is a minor issue, though, as they face up to vital matches against Manchester City, LASK and Brentford immediately after the international break.

Netherlands manager Xavi will issue an update on his condition at full-time.

Gakpo was on target for the Netherlands in their previous match, bagging an injury-time equaliser as they drew 1-1 with Germany.

Gakpo had brushed with joining both Tottenham and Man City this summer, but speaking earlier this week, committed himself fully to helping Liverpool in the club’s first season under Andoni Iraola.

“It was a difficult summer for me, and my family, and everything surrounding football and life,” he said in an interview with The Telegraph.