Cody Gakpo Withdraws from Netherlands Squad Following Ankle Injury

Key Takeaways:

• Cody Gakpo sustained an ankle injury during Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade and will miss the Netherlands’ UEFA Nations League matches this week
• The Dutch FA confirmed Gakpo will return to Liverpool, with head coach Xavi Hernandez opting not to name a replacement for the forward
• The Netherlands are set to face Greece in Thessaloniki on Thursday, before hosting Serbia in Eindhoven on Sunday

Gakpo Sidelined After Early Exit Against Serbia

Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo has been ruled out of this week’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Greece and Serbia due to an ankle injury, the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced on Monday. Gakpo sustained the injury after just 17 minutes in the Netherlands’ 2-1 win over Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday, following a robust challenge from Sasa Lukic that forced him to leave the match prematurely. With 25 goals in 56 appearances for his country, Gakpo’s absence presents a setback for the Dutch side.

Take care, Cody 🧡

Gakpo won’t be available for the remainder of this international window and will return to Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/rEJZinuvOH

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 28, 2026

The KNVB confirmed that Gakpo will return to Liverpool for treatment, and newly appointed coach Xavi Hernandez has decided against calling up a replacement for the injured forward.

Recent Contributions and Upcoming Fixtures

Gakpo’s injury comes shortly after his pivotal role last week when he scored a late equaliser in the 1-1 Nations League draw with Germany – the Netherlands’ first match since the World Cup and Xavi Hernandez’s managerial debut. The squad now faces Greece in Thessaloniki on Thursday, followed by a home encounter against Serbia in Eindhoven on Sunday. This means Gakpo will miss the opportunity to return to the Philips Stadion, where he previously played for PSV Eindhoven before moving to the Premier League.