As Liverpool supporters make their way to Paris with high hopes of securing a formidable stance for the second leg, they’ve been greeted with some unexpected injury news. The anxiety surrounding the participation of the Dutch star in the match at the iconic Parc des Princes had been rife. However, confirmation on liverpoolfc.com has put those concerns to rest, announcing that the player was indeed part of the squad heading to Paris.
This revelation is likely to cheer many, as it indicates no need to gamble with the 25-year-old’s health, especially if he stood no chance of partaking in the forthcoming fixture. The team’s head coach affirmed that the travel plans for the ex-PSV skipper were intact and his presence in the squad indicates no exacerbation of his injury between the press briefing and the team’s departure from Liverpool.
Cody Gakpo’s potential involvement against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is another point of interest. Liverpool’s other fitness worries encompass Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, and Tyler Morton. However, there should be ample cover even if the forward is unfit to participate.
The decision will revolve around who would assume central duties among Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz, with the left-wing role being contested between the remaining two. Given the comparably less demanding task against Southampton on Saturday, the opportunity to give players a reprieve over the weekend implies that the team can field their strongest lineup against the Paris outfit.
The million-dollar question remains: Will the significance of the occasion compel Liverpool to gamble with Cody Gakpo’s fitness, or will he be reserved for the home leg next week? Regardless, this much-anticipated fixture promises to be an exciting affair, the results of which could potentially shape the rest of Liverpool’s campaign.
In conclusion, the confirmation of the Dutch international’s presence in the travelling squad has certainly served as a morale boost for the Liverpool supporters. It remains to be seen if he will play a part in the upcoming fixture, or if the team management will decide to err on the side of caution, keeping the player’s long-term fitness in mind.