Cody Gakpo ruled out as Liverpool face Wolves in Premier League clash

Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo misses Wolves match due to injury, raising concerns ahead of Aston Villa trip.

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo during the Premier League match at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England, on February 12, 2025. Photo by Nick Potts/PA/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Randy Ahmad

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo has been ruled out of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Wolves after failing a late fitness test. The in-form winger, who has been a key figure under manager Arne Slot, was sidelined due to a knock sustained in the recent Merseyside derby against Everton.

Until this setback, Gakpo had made more appearances than any other Liverpool player under Slot, featuring in 36 matches across all competitions. His absence means Mohamed Salah now matches his tally for the most games played this season.

The Dutch international’s injury comes at a crucial moment for the Reds, who are eager to bounce back from their recent frustrations with a victory over Wolves, a side currently sitting in 17th place in the league table.

Liverpool forced into changes

Gakpo’s injury was initially a concern in the lead-up to the match after he picked up a knock in the 2-2 draw with Everton on Wednesday night. The club has now confirmed his unavailability, adding to Liverpool’s growing list of absentees.

He is one of four players missing the fixture, with Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton also sidelined due to injuries, while Curtis Jones serves a suspension.

Slot made only two changes from the side that faced Everton, with Diogo Jota stepping in for Gakpo and Trent Alexander-Arnold replacing Conor Bradley.

A key player missing from the squad

Gakpo’s absence is a significant blow for Liverpool, as he is their second-highest goalscorer this season. With 16 goals to his name, only Salah has found the net more times, registering 27 goals across all competitions.

The Dutch forward has been a near-constant presence in Liverpool’s campaign, appearing in every Premier League match before Sunday—starting 16 games and coming off the bench in eight others. His influence has also extended to the Champions League, where he featured in seven of Liverpool’s eight group-stage matches, as well as the Carabao Cup, where he played in all five games leading up to the final.

Concerns ahead of the Aston Villa match

While it remains unclear whether Gakpo’s relentless workload contributed to his latest fitness issue, Liverpool will be hoping that the injury is not a long-term concern. His absence against Wolves raises doubts about his availability for the upcoming clash with Aston Villa, which takes place just three days later.

As Liverpool continue their pursuit of success on multiple fronts, Gakpo’s recovery will be closely monitored, with fans and management hoping for a swift return to action.