Cody Gakpo may not make his Liverpool debut for some time. The Dutchman joined on Wednesday but fans could need patience.
This comes from the Telegraph. They explain that Cody Gakpo may not play for Liverpool for quite a few weeks.
There’s a simple reason for that, too. Gakpo is yet to train since arriving back from the World Cup, meaning he’s a quite behind on his fitness.
Given Liverpool need him up to speed with their pressing game, it could take a little while. Work will start immediately, of course, but fans will likely need to show patience before seeing the 23-year-old in action.
Cody Gakpo to wait on Liverpool debut
In all honesty, we imagine Gakpo will get minutes here and there in an attempt to speed up the process. The Telegraph suggest his debut will be weeks away, but that’s not necessarily the case.
What is certainly the case, though, is that Gakpo will be behind. Virgil van Dijk, who also exited the World Cup with the Netherlands, has a Premier League game under his belt and weeks of training.
His compatriot doesn’t have that. After all, it’s long been rumoured that Gakpo would move in January and no one wanted to risk an injury.
It is something of an issue for Liverpool. Gakpo will replace Luis Díaz on the left flank while the Colombian is injured. He’s out until March, but the new signing’s absence keeps the team a little short on that flank for a few more weeks.
No ideal, then. Still, Liverpool will be able to utilise Darwin Nunez out there, as well as Fabio Carvalho. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain started from the left against Aston Villa, too. The Reds have options.
Gakpo will be the one to take the mantle eventually, though. We’re just going to have to wait.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
