Liverpool suffer blow as Gakpo's Injury persists for Villa match

Liverpool's attacking options have been dealt a significant blow as Cody Gakpo's ankle injury is set to rule him out of the upcoming match against Aston Villa. 

The Dutch forward, who has been a key player for Arne Slot's side this season, initially picked up the knock during the Merseyside derby against Everton. 

Paul Joyce, reporting for The Times, confirmed the extent of Gakpo's injury, stating, "(Luis Diaz) was redeployed back on the left flank because of the ankle injury to Cody Gakpo, which is set to rule him out of the Villa game". 

The absence of Gakpo, Liverpool's second-top goalscorer with 16 goals this season, will be a concern for manager Arne Slot as the team enters a crucial phase of their Premier League campaign. 

Slot had previously expressed doubt over Gakpo's fitness for the recent Wolves match, but the persistence of the injury suggests the issue is more severe than initially thought.

Luis Diaz is expected to stay in his natural left-wing position, where he performed well against Wolves, and Liverpool will now have to rely on their depth in attack.