Why isn’t Cody Gakpo playing for Liverpool against Everton in the Premier League?

Following a shock home defeat to Crystal Palace 10 days ago, Liverpool have little margin for error the Premier League title race, with Arsenal top of the table but Manchester City in pole position due to their games in hand. Jürgen Klopp therefore named his strongest possible (fit) team for Wednesday’s derby away to Everton, with one exception - Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo’s surprise absence against Everton

The absence of the Dutch star from both the starting lineup and the substitutes’ bench raised eyebrows online.

Gakpo has featured in 31 of The Reds’ 33 league fixtures this season and has been on the field at some point in each of the last 24. He started in the 3-1 win over Fulham only three days ago, setting up a goal for the now injured Diogo Jota.

Is Gakpo injured? The reason for his Everton omission

The former PSV attacker was replaced after 86 minutes but didn’t appear to be carrying an injury, which is not, in fact, the reason for his absence.

Gakpo had been due to play against The Toffees but was a late call-off as partner Noa van der Bij went into labour, with the couple expecting their first child.

Mohamed Salah, who came off the bench against Fulham, was named as Gakpo’s replacement in the stating lineup, with young midfielder Bobby Clark, who has already made six Premier League appearances, called up as a substitute.