Cody Gakpo to continue playing at World Cup after suffering personal tragedy

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On Saturday, Gakpo's girlfriend, Noa van der Bij, shared on social media how their son, whom the pair had called Elijah, had passed away during pregnancy.The revelation prompted an overwhelming wave of sympathy for Gakpo and his family, yet the Liverpool forward has confirmed his readiness to feature for Ronald Koeman's team against Morocco at Estadio Monterrey on Monday."Being there for Cody is the most important thing," Van Dijk told a press conference on Sunday."It's terrible. I have a lot of respect for how he, but also Noa and his family, have handled this."Virgil van Dijk has offered his support to Gakpo(Image: Getty Images)During the press conference previewing the fixture against the African nation, Koeman revealed that the players were prepared to grant Gakpo leave, only for the forward to inform them he wished to participate.

"That was sad news we heard," Koeman said."What Cody, his wife and family have been told. There has never been a moment when he said, 'I want to go back [home]' or 'I want to be with the family.'"He has assessed that himself and done it in his own way.

I think that shows maturity, how he and the family have dealt with this."So he's ready to play, and it doesn't weigh on his performance. He does this in his own way with the family, and that is very strong and beautiful."We have left it that way.