Cody Gakpo return date predicted as Liverpool reduced to bare bones in attack

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Liverpool have been rocked by a long-term injury to Alexander Isak which has left them struggling for numbers in attack.

Isak looks likely to miss a chunk of the second half of the campaign after fracturing his leg while scoring against Tottenham Hotspur.

The injury could hardly come at a worse time for Liverpool who are already missing Cody Gakpo with a fitness problem of his own and Mohamed Salah who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Who should replace Alexander Isak in Liverpool’s starting XI?

Arne Slot is running out of options…

Liverpool’s attacking options heading into the Christmas period:

• Hugo Ekitike
• Federico Chiesa
• Florian Wirtz
• Rio Ngumoha

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With Arne Slot down to the bare bones in attack, many supporters are desperate for Liverpool to dip into the transfer market for a forward in January.

However, there are still a couple of games to play before the window flies open, and Slot is going to have come up with a plan for clashes with Wolves and Leeds. With that in mind, journalist David Lynch has given an idea of whether Gakpo will be available for either match.

Cody Gakpo could return to face Leeds

Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Slot confirmed that Liverpool had had some good news on Gakpo’s issue, but did not go into detail about when he could be expected back.

But according to Lynch, though the Dutchman will almost certainly miss Saturday’s match with Wolves, he could return for the New Year’s Day meeting against Leeds.

READ MORE: When is Jayden Danns back? Latest on Liverpool striker’s injury return as first-team chance beckons

“I think the other side of the Wolves game is when he comes into contention,” the journalist told Anfield Index.

“It’s Leeds after that, maybe a chance for that, but it’s so touch and go. That’ll be a tight-ish turnaround so they just have to assess it day by day. As I understand it there is a chance for the Leeds game.”

Gakpo has come in for criticism recently for some lacklustre performances on the left of the Liverpool attack. But given the lack of bodies available to Slot right now, it will be a relief to see him return.

Why do Liverpool fans want Antoine Semenyo to replace Cody Gakpo?

Gakpo easily betters him in key metrics!

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Who is available for Liverpool against Wolves?

Although there are no guarantees in any game of Premier League football, Liverpool are perhaps lucky that they face Wolves on Saturday.

Rob Edwards’ team have the worst ever points total by a Premier League side at Christmas, having only put two on the board in 17 matches.

Liverpool should still expect a battle, though, and they are likely to field a very unfamiliar looking line-up, especially in attack.

There has been a clamour amongst Liverpool fans for Federico Chiesa to play more often, and this looks a perfect time for him to start.

Hugo Ekitike will surely play too, while Florian Wirtz may join him in a makeshift forward line. If they do well, maybe the same trio will get the nod for Leeds four days later if Gakpo is not yet fit to feature.