Liverpool are set to face Manchester City on Sunday in another test of their title credentials.
The Reds have been slowing down a little of late, with a draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday their latest small setback.
The draw gives Arsenal a chance to close the gap at the top of the Premier League when they face West Ham at the Emirates on Saturday.
If the Gunners have indeed moved to five points behind Liverpool, then the pressure will be on the Reds to get a first win at the Etihad since 2015.
Having been in a rich vein of form recently, having Cody Gakpo back fit and available would be a boost to Liverpool’s chances of claiming the three points.
After Gakpo sat out of Sunday’s win over Wolves and the draw against Villa, Arne Slot has given an update on whether the Dutchman is likely to be fit to face City.
No decision made over Cody Gakpo
Liverpool could have done with Gakpo during Wednesday’s draw with Villa. It’s hard to imagine the 25-year-old would have missed Darwin Nunez’s open goal chance, for example.
He has been Liverpool’s second most potent attacking threat this season behind Mohamed Salah and to head to the Etihad without him would be a blow.
According to Slot, though, it is going to be a ‘close call’ on whether Gakpo is ready. The Liverpool head coach says he’s still yet to find out.
“Let’s see,” Slot replied when asked about his No.18. “I hope, I’m not 100 per cent sure.
“He hasn’t trained with the team yet, maybe he does a bit today. I don’t know exactly, it will be a close call.”
Slot shares update on Conor Bradley
An even more recent injury then Gakpo’s was in regards to Conor Bradley, who had to be taken off during the draw against Villa.
Slot was pessimistic over Bradley’s injury when asked immediately after Wednesday’s game and did not sound any more hopeful on Thursday morning.
“No, he still has to come in, we don’t know yet,” he said when asked if there is any more clarity over the right-back’s issue.
“But I would be completely surprised if he’s involved on Sunday or Wednesday against Newcastle. You can assume that isn’t going to happen.”
Slot also confirmed that Joe Gomez has undergone a successful surgery for a hamstring problem and is likely to be back towards the end of the season.
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