Cody Gakpo was absent for Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa with the consequence being that Arsenal now have the chance to move within five points of the Reds in the Premier League title race.
It was disappointing to see Liverpool drop points especially given they had several good opportunities to win the game. Darwin Nunez has copped most of the blame for missing an open net and even though the ball arrived on his weaker left foot, he really should have buried the chance.
Liverpool are now heading into this weekend’s clash with none other than Manchester City with less momentum than Arne Slot would prefer but the same can be said for the Premier League champions. Real Madrid beat Pep Guardiola’s side 3-1 on Wednesday and will be licking their wounds as well.
While Mohamed Salah was once again the best player on the pitch, scoring his 24th league goal of the season in his 26th game of the campaign. The Egyptian missed Cody Gakpo, however, who missed the game through injury.
Gakpo has 16 goals and five assists for Liverpool this season, with the winger shining under compatriot and manager Arne Slot. Speaking to the media, the boss updated fans on Gakpo’s availability ahead of Sunday.
“Let’s see,” Slot replied when asked about the 25-year-old. “I hope, I’m not 100 per cent sure.
“He hasn’t trained with the team yet, maybe he does a bit today. I don’t know exactly, it will be a close call.”
The Liverpool boss also spoke about Conor Bradley’s injury but was less optimistic.
“No, he still has to come in, we don’t know yet,” he said when asked if there is any more clarity over the right-back’s issue.
“But I would be completely surprised if he’s involved on Sunday or Wednesday against Newcastle. You can assume that isn’t going to happen.”
Slot then confirmed that Joe Gomez underwent a successful surgery for a hamstring injury and will hopefully appear again before the end of the season.
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