Liverpool face Southampton on Saturday with the chance to go 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The Reds haven’t played domestically for over a week, having had last weekend’s FA Cup round off.

Liverpool did play on Wednesday, of course, and after snatching a last-gasp win over PSG they have the chance to add further momentum ahead of Tuesday’s second-leg.

One player who did not feature in the victory in Paris was Cody Gakpo, who has been struggling with an ankle problem.

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Gakpo was spotted lifting Alisson Becker off his feet at the final whistle, though, leading to suggestions that he may be pain-free and ready to play Southampton.

But according to Arne Slot, it is set to be a close call whether or not the Dutchman is involved.

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Having been in excellent form since the turn of the year, it has been a bad time for Gakpo to get injured.

The 25-year-old is Liverpool’s second top scorer this season and has grown in importance to Slot as the season has progressed.

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One of Gakpo’s biggest assets has been his availability, and he will no doubt have been frustrated to miss Wednesday’s big game.

With the return leg at Anfield fast approaching, as well as next Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, the Netherlands international will be desperate to get back fit.

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Speaking in his pre-Southampton press conference, though, Slot says it will be touch and go for Gakpo to be ready this weekend.

“He didn’t train yesterday yet so let’s see if he can today,” said the Liverpool head coach.

“Again, close call, it’s not a long-term injury but he still had a bit of pain yesterday, so he’s not able to train.

I can’t give you the answer yet.”

It sounds very unlikely that Gakpo will be fit and ready to start Saturday’s game.

The No.18 may well be in the squad, but if he isn’t in training in the days leading up to the match, then a start is surely out of the question.

With Luis Diaz looking leggy against PSG – and with two such big games to come – Slot is going to have to think of another solution in his attack.

He could shift Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota out wide, but we’ve got a feeling that there could finally be a Premier League start on the cards for Federico Chiesa.


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