Cody Gakpo absence for Liverpool explained as he’s ruled out v Everton
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has been ruled out of the Merseyside derby against Everton because his partner has gone into labour, according to The Athletic journalist James Pearce.
The Dutchman had started the Reds’ last two games against Atalanta and Fulham but will not be available at Goodison Park.
In his absence, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz will make up Liverpool’s front three.
Pearce posted on X: “No Cody Gakpo tonight as his partner has gone into labour.”
Threadbare Liverpool lose Cody Gakpo for crucial derby against Everton
The loss of Gakpo – even if it is not to an injury – is certainly a blow for Jurgen Klopp ahead of a must-win Merseyside derby for the Reds.
Liverpool are competing for the Premier League title and go into the game needing three points to match the pace set by leaders Arsenal, who beat Chelsea 5-0 in their last outing.
However, in a boost for the blue half of Merseyside, Gakpo joins an extensive list of absentees which leaves Klopp’s options from the bench looking limited.
Without Gakpo or the injured Diogo Jota, there is a lack of depth beyond the starting trio of Salah, Nunez and Diaz.
Sean Dyche will hope his Everton side can exploit the lack of fresh firepower at Liverpool’s disposal and will look to keep things tight until late in the game.
The Toffees will hope to generate some much-needed positive momentum with a significant result against their city rivals.
In other Everton news, Jarrad Branthwaite’s value has plummeted by £30million after a new Goodison Park development.
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