Liverpool will be welcoming Cody Gakpo back into their squad for this evening’s Europa League encounter against Toulouse at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp has officially confirmed the return of the striker, who had been sidelined for the previous three games due to a knee injury. Gakpo has been fully participating in training since Sunday and underwent a rigorous session at the AXA Training Center yesterday.
Cody Gakpo is one of two players who will once again be at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal following Liverpool’s 2-0 win in the Merseyside derby against Everton last Saturday. The other returning player is Curtis Jones, who is expected to make a starting appearance. It’s worth noting that Jones is currently serving a three-match suspension in the Premier League due to his red card in the 2-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last month.
With Andy Robertson facing an extended period on the sidelines, Jurgen Klopp must make a decision regarding the left-back position. While Kostas Tsimikas is currently the first-choice option, he may be rested considering the upcoming Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Regarding senior replacements, Klopp has mentioned the possibility of utilizing Joe Gomez in the left-back role. However, Gomez might also be positioned in central defense or serve as a stand-in for Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right side.
Additionally, young prospects Luke Chambers and Calum Scanlon were part of the training session and are viable alternatives. Chambers, aged 19, made his debut as a late substitute in the 3-1 victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and was also included on the bench for the 2-2 draw against Brighton in the Premier League. Chambers would likely have been in the squad for the Everton match, but he sustained an ankle injury while on international duty with England’s under-20 team.
In a surprising turn of events, Calum Scanlon, aged 18, was included on the bench for the first time, while Luke Chambers also featured. These budding talents subsequently participated for Liverpool’s under-21s in a 1-1 draw against Benfica in the Premier League International Cup the following day. Chambers played during the first half and was then replaced by Scanlon at halftime.
Regrettably, it appears that Ben Doak, the 17-year-old promising winger, is poised to miss his second consecutive game. He is nursing a muscle injury sustained while representing Scotland under-21s. If he were fit, Doak might have been a potential replacement for Mo Salah on the right flank.
