Cody Gakpo World Cup decision made after partner's tragic miscarriage

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Mirror or go back to LFC Live.

Reds and Oranje skipper Virgil van Dijk has shown his support for Gakpo and his family, commending the way they have coped with the heartbreaking news in recent days.On Saturday, Gakpo's girlfriend, Noa van der Bij, shared on social media how their son, whom the couple had named Elijah, had passed away during pregnancy.The announcement prompted an overwhelming wave of support for Gakpo and his loved ones, yet the Reds attacker has declared himself ready to contribute for Ronald Koeman's side when they face Morocco at Estadio Monterrey at 2am UK time on Tuesday morning.Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!"Being there for Cody is the most important thing," Van Dijk told a press conference on Sunday. He dealt with it very maturely."I have a lot of respect for how he, but also Noa and his family, have handled this."During the press conference previewing the clash with the North African nation, Koeman revealed how the squad had been prepared to grant Gakpo compassionate leave, only for the striker to express his determination to play."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.