Reds boss Slot said on Friday that Gakpo was doubtful for the visit of Wolves and he was not spotted at training at Kirkby before being omitted from the matchday squad, with Diogo Jota getting the nod over Darwin Nunez to make his first league start since October 20 as he joined goalscorers Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz in attack, seeing a second-half penalty award overturned following a challenge by Emmanuel Agbadou.
Pressed on if Gakpo would be back for Wednesday night’s trip to Aston Villa in the top-flight that is followed quickly by a huge showdown at Manchester City and the visit of Newcastle to Anfield for a Carabao Cup final dress rehearsal, Slot added: “Under debate.
The Dutch forward missed Sunday’s nervy 2-1 win over Wolves in the Premier League that restored his side’s seven-point title lead over Arsenal having been substituted in the second half of the chaotic midweek Merseyside derby draw at Everton with an unspecified knock.
Along with Gakpo, Liverpool also remained without the injured Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton against Wolves, while Curtis Jones served a one-match suspension after his post-match red card against Everton but will be back in contention for the journey to Villa Park.
Asked if his players had been suffering from fatigue during their nervy second half against Wolves, Slot said: “I never judge a situation on 20 minutes.
