Not much good ever really comes from injury updates like the one Jurgen Klopp delivered yesterday.
But as bad as the injuries to Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker have the potential to be, there is always the opportunity that in the absence of big players, others stand up to be counted.
In terms of the goalkeeper, that is obviously going to be difficult. Caoimhin Kelleher has been a fine stand-in for Liverpool and deserves this opportunity for a run in the side. But he’s never going to take over from Alisson.
The injury for Jota can’t be looked at through the same lens, though. At the start of the season, the 26-year-old was perhaps seen as the fifth-choice in attack for Klopp. However, as the campaign has gone on, Diogo has fired his way into the starting line-up.
This has largely come at the expense of Cody Gakpo, who has had a stop-start first full season with the Reds. In an honest admission yesterday, Gakpo admitted that he hasn’t been at his best during 2023/24 and aimed for personal improvement.
With Jota in form, Luis Diaz still favoured and Darwin Nunez now a key man, the 24-year-old might not have gotten the game-time to fully do that. But with the Portuguese unfortunately now missing, an opportunity has presented itself to Gakpo. He has to take it.
Gakpo handed chance to shine
Heading into the season, there was real excitement about what Gakpo could bring to Liverpool. Having grown into the team since his January arrival, the Dutchman looked ready to kick on.
There is still plenty of time for that to happen, but Cody just hasn’t quite sparked so far.
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It must be said that it hasn’t all been bad. The former PSV Eindhoven captain has still managed four goals, and has popped up a couple of times when really needed. He’s also showed his versatility by dropping deep into midfield.
After 11 Premier League games though, his return of two goals and zero assists is disappointing.
That’s also the word Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur used to describe Gakpo during the recent international break.
With Jota injured and Nunez and Mohamed Salah likely to be rested, tonight’s game with LASK presents the first chance for Cody to turn things around.
Although he does still offer a good amount without the goal contributions, he does need to start laying down a few more.
Whereas in recent months we’ve become used to seeing Gakpo arrive off the bench, he’ll now have the chance to get more starts under his belt. Cody is about to become much more important to this Liverpool team, and we’re here for it.