Isak and Gakpo injured on international duty in blow to Liverpool
Serbia's Petar Sukacev, on the ground, watches Netherlands' Cody Gakpo control the ball during the Nations League soccer match between Serbia and the Netherlands in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. Credit: AP/Darko Vojinovic
LIVERPOOL, England — The international break is not being kind to Liverpool, with key attackers Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both sustaining injuries while on duty with their countries.
Isak has left the Sweden squad and returned to Liverpool because of what the club has described as a “minor injury.” The striker played the full match as Sweden beat Romania 2-1 on Friday but will not be involved in the country's next three Nations League matches.
Gakpo came off in the 17th minute of the Netherlands' 2-1 win over Serbia on Sunday with an apparent ankle injury suffered a few minutes earlier. The forward tried to continue playing before leaving.
The Dutch soccer federation said on Monday that he is not fit to stay with his teammates and is returning to Liverpool. Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez is not calling up any replacement.
Liverpool's first game back after the international break is against Manchester City at Anfield on Oct. 11.
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