In preparation for the Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday, Cody Gakpo has returned to Liverpool training.
Liverpool lost five points in away games against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion, which put them in a precarious position heading into the October international break.
As a result, Jurgen Klopp’s team is currently third in the Premier League rankings, one point behind defending champions Manchester City.
With Europa League and EFL Cup fixtures sandwiched between matches in England’s top division, Klopp and his team are about to enter another hectic time of the season.
The German is now hoping for a speedy recovery for Gakpo, who has been out since suffering a knee injury in the match against Spurs on September 30.
The Netherlands international has assumed a more significant position down the centre of the attack since Roberto Firmino left Anfield in the summer.
In all competitions season 2023–24, three goals have been scored from six starts and two substitute appearances, with Gakpo frequently receiving the start in place of Darwin Nunez.
Klopp made a suggestion that Gakpo might be prepared to join the team for the first match of the season against Everton before the two-week break.
The 24-year-old has recently been spotted working out ahead of the match on Saturday, which could be a sign that he would be able to contribute against the Toffees.
Gakpo may need to put in more effort on Friday before Klopp decides whether or not he will be available for the noon kickoff.
Nunez is thought of as a natural successor, although he played the full 90 minutes in each of Uruguay’s games against Brazil and Colombia, the most recent of which was on Tuesday night.
Nunez’s fitness will be evaluated following the lengthy travel and short recovery period, but he participated in training on Thursday.
Also available to Klopp is Diogo Jota, who served a one-match suspension after his dismissal against Spurs.