It was a pretty mixed weekend for Liverpool’s internationals.
There were wins for Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch with the Netherlands, but unfortunately the biggest talking point from a Liverpool point of view was Cody Gakpo being forced off injured.
Florian Wirtz and Kostas Tsimikas were also involved for Germany and Greece respectively, while Lewis Koumas came off the bench for Wales.
Here’s how the Reds got on.
Van Dijk and Gravenberch win with the Netherlands
Virgil van Dijk completed the full 90 minutes as the Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade.
The Liverpool captain led his country through another full match and will be pleased to have come away with three points.
Ryan Gravenberch also started the game and played 67 minutes before being substituted.
It was another decent amount of international football for the Liverpool midfielder, who has been an important player for both club and country this season.
But unfortunately, there was one major concern.
Gakpo forced off after just 17 minutes
Cody Gakpo started for the Netherlands but lasted just 17 minutes before being forced off.
The Liverpool forward appeared to hurt his ankle following a challenge from Serbia’s Sasa Lukic and, after trying to continue, eventually signalled that he could not carry on.
That is the last thing Liverpool supporters wanted to see.
Gakpo had been one of Liverpool’s most consistent attacking players at the start of the season and had only recently scored the late equaliser against Germany.
Now everyone will be hoping this is nothing serious.
With Alexander Isak already dealing with a thigh problem, Liverpool certainly don’t need another important attacker picking up an injury during the international break.
There should hopefully be more clarity on Gakpo’s condition soon.
Wirtz gets 25 minutes for Germany
Florian Wirtz came off the bench for Germany against Greece and played around 25 minutes.
Unfortunately for Wirtz, it wasn’t a happy night for his country as Germany suffered a 1-0 defeat.
It was another opportunity for him to get some minutes under Jürgen Klopp, though, and I’m sure Liverpool supporters will be watching closely to see whether this international break can give Wirtz a bit of confidence.
He hasn’t quite found his best form at Liverpool yet.
I’m certainly not writing him off.
We know how much ability he has, and sometimes a player just needs a few positive moments to get things moving.
Tsimikas plays the full match
Kostas Tsimikas completed the full 90 minutes for Greece against Germany.
Greece came away with a 1-0 victory, giving Tsimikas another full international appearance and another clean sheet.
He also gets the benefit of playing regular football during the break, which can only be useful given the competition for places at Liverpool.
Tsimikas may not always be the first name on the team sheet at Anfield, but having an experienced international left-back available is important for Iraola.
Koumas gets another Wales appearance
Lewis Koumas came off the bench for Wales against Denmark and played just over 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, Wales suffered a 2-0 defeat.
Still, every appearance at senior international level is valuable for Koumas.
He’s still developing and trying to establish himself, so getting minutes with Wales is another part of that process.
Hopefully there will be more opportunities for him as the season progresses.
Now Liverpool just need everyone home safely
That’s probably the main thing Liverpool supporters will be thinking after this weekend.
The results are secondary.
Van Dijk and Gravenberch got through their game.
Wirtz got some minutes.
Tsimikas played the full match.
Koumas got another taste of senior international football.
But Gakpo coming off after just 17 minutes is the one thing everyone will be watching now.
After Isak’s recent injury concern, Liverpool really don’t need another attacking player spending time on the sidelines.
Gakpo had started the season looking like one of Liverpool’s most important players, so fingers crossed this turns out to be nothing serious.
International football is all well and good, but right now I just want our players back at Anfield fit and ready to go.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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