Why Cody Gakpo misses the PSG vs Liverpool Champions League clash | Football

Cody Gakpo has missed out on Liverpool’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night due to a knock in training.

The Dutch forward travelled with the squad for the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie, but has not even made it onto the substitutes’ bench.

Reds boss Arne Slot suggested it would be a close run thing as to whether Gakpo would be involved when he explained his fitness situation in a press conference on Tuesday.

‘He was close to being ready to play again, but unfortunately yesterday I think it was, he had to block a shot so he felt a bit of pain again,’ Slot said.

‘We took him with us to judge how he is tomorrow, if he can be part of the squad, yes or no. But it will be a close call.’

The 25-year-old has been a big player for the Reds this season, scoring eight Premier League goals and three more in the Champions League.

However, fitness problems have been holding him back in recent weeks, missing clashes with Wolves and Aston Villa in February due to an ankle problem.

He made his return off the bench in the victory against Manchester City at the end of last month, also coming on against Newcastle United last Wednesday.

However, the setback in training on Monday at Melwood has cost him a part in the glamorous trip to Paris this week.

Slot’s description of the situation suggests Gakpo will be back in action soon enough, whether that is at home to Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday or in the second leg against PSG next Tuesday at Anfield.

Slot’s team to face PSG in the French capital sees Alisson Becker behind the regular back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.

Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai make up a high class midfield behind a front three of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.

PSG boss Luis Enrique talked up the standard of the Premier League leaders before the contest, describing them as one of the best around.

‘They are one of the best teams in Europe on the counterattack,’ Enrique told a press conference on Tuesday.

‘We will try to keep the ball and not suffer too much in the transitions.

‘Stopping their three fighter jets is not easy. If we manage to impose our style of play, we will manage not to suffer too much.

‘The goal is to be better and for them not to hurt in the transitions.’

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