Cody Gakpo Returns to Full Liverpool Training Before Key Fixtures

Liverpool has received a significant boost with the return of Cody Gakpo to full training ahead of a crucial week of matches.

Important Week for Liverpool with PSG and Newcastle Games

The Reds are at a critical juncture in their season, holding a 15-point lead in the Premier League. Arne Slot and his team are beginning to envision title success, although there’s still work to be done to achieve this significant milestone.

This week, however, the focus shifts from league games to other competitions, starting with a major Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. Liverpool is ahead 1-0 from the first leg of their Round of 16 tie, but PSG’s performance in Paris was impressive, and Liverpool relied on strong performances from Alisson and Harvey Elliott to secure the win.

Following the PSG game, the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United is scheduled for Sunday. Newcastle is seeking their first major domestic trophy in 70 years but is currently facing numerous injuries.

While Liverpool is favored to win at Wembley, they are well aware of the threat Newcastle poses, recalling their 3-3 draw in the Premier League at St James’ Park in December. Liverpool has also faced injury concerns recently, but there’s positive news regarding a key attacking player.

Gakpo’s Return Provides Injury Relief for Liverpool

On Monday afternoon, it was confirmed that Gakpo has rejoined full training with Liverpool ahead of the vital PSG match. He was seen training with his teammates at the AXA Training Centre.

The 25-year-old could potentially start his first game in a month when PSG visits on Tuesday evening. His last appearance was in the Merseyside Derby on February 12.

Gakpo’s availability is a welcome development for Slot, as the winger has been a significant absence recently. Apart from Mohamed Salah, who is a strong contender for PFA Player of the Year, Gakpo has been one of Liverpool’s most consistent attacking threats this season, having scored 16 goals across all competitions, including eight in the Premier League.

Whether he will start against PSG is still uncertain, as the game is expected to be high-intensity, requiring every player to be at their peak performance. Therefore, it might be more strategic to use Gakpo as a substitute initially, with a potential start against Newcastle later in the weekend.

Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez have had inconsistent form recently, scoring only six goals collectively in 2025. This highlights the importance of Gakpo’s return for Liverpool’s attacking options.