Image source: caughtoffside.com
Liverpool’s preparations for their Champions League encounter with Inter Milan have been disrupted by multiple player absences, with Cody Gakpo ruled out for several weeks through injury while Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo also missed Monday’s training session at the AXA Training Centre.
Slot Confirms Gakpo Injury Blow as Liverpool Travel to Face Inter Milan
Manager Arne Slot confirmed the extent of Gakpo’s problem during his pre-match press conference, revealing the Dutch forward will be sidelined for an extended period. “Cody Gakpo will be out for a few weeks – he’s injured,” Slot stated, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. The 25-year-old had started Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road over the weekend before being substituted late in the second half by Endo.
Chiesa’s absence is less concerning for the Reds, with Slot explaining that illness rather than injury has kept the Italian winger out of the travelling squad. “Federico Chiesa is out today because he’s ill. We’ll monitor him closely, but it’s not serious,” the Liverpool manager confirmed. Chiesa remained an unused substitute during the Leeds encounter but will not be available for selection against Inter Milan at the San Siro.
The triple absence adds to Liverpool’s selection concerns, with all three players missing from the 19-man squad that boarded Monday morning’s flight to Italy. Slot did not provide specific details regarding Endo’s unavailability, though the Japanese midfielder had featured as a late substitute against Leeds. The manager faces a potential selection headache with multiple attacking options unavailable for the crucial European fixture.
Gakpo’s injury represents the most significant blow for Liverpool, given his regular involvement under Slot this season. The former PSV Eindhoven forward has been one of the Dutch manager’s most frequently selected players since his appointment, making his extended absence a considerable setback for the team’s attacking options in upcoming fixtures across multiple competitions.
