Liverpool international roundup: Double injury scare, Florian Wirtz blow, Virgil van Dijk features

 

Cody Gakpo of Netherlands talks to referee Szymon Marciniak during the UEFA Nations League match between Serbia and Netherlands© (Photo by Dijks Media/MB Media/Getty Images)

Liverpool fans will be keeping a close eye on the international football being played over the next week, as the halfway point of the extended international break is almost upon us.

The Reds have seen plenty of stars jet off around the world to feature for their nations, in the hope of carrying some form with them from the domestic stage.

While that form and momentum will be important, so too is the fitness and availability of some stars. With a lack of squad depth at Liverpool, Andoni Iraola will be hoping that everyone returns in peak condition for an important run of matches ahead.

So, with that said, here's a look at the latest Liverpool international break news ahead of another busy day of action.

• Jurgen Klopp suffers historic loss in first Germany home game as Florian Wirtz features

• Man Utd suffers same fate as Liverpool as Bruno Fernandes dealt injury setback

Alexander Isak (Sweden)

Alexander Isak.© Image Photo Agency/Getty Images

Alexander Isak is a fresh injury concern for Liverpool, after the striker had to withdraw from the Sweden squad early, confirming that he will miss the remaining three games his nation has during this break.

The statement from both the national team and the Reds confirmed that it was a "minor injury", while Sweden boss Graham Potter confirmed it was a thigh issue that provoked his early exit.

Liverpool will be hoping that the striker is fit and available for the clash with Manchester City, with less than two weeks now until that encounter.

Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)

Liverpool star Cody Gakpo will undergo a scan on an ankle injury.© Getty Images

There is another injury scare for Liverpool, as Cody Gakpo requested to be brought off for the Netherlands in its clash with Serbia in the UEFA Nations League.

It happened just 17 minutes into the match, when an awkward challenge on the winger resulted in a tough landing on his foot, causing plenty of concern.

Gakpo is expected to undergo a scan on Monday, with some hope that he will be given the all-clear, especially after an impressive start for Liverpool this season.

Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands)

Virgil van Dijk of Netherlands is seen during a UEFA Nations League match© Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images

While Gakpo had to leave the game early, both Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch featured from the start for the Netherlands in the clash with Serbia.

It was a tough match, as a Mexx Meerdink goal either side of a Luka Jovic finish landed the Oranje all three points and a first win under new head coach Xavi in the UEFA Nations League.

Jeremie Frimpong (Netherlands)

Jeremie Frimpong of the Netherlands trains with the Dutch national football team at the KNVB Campus© Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images

After a difficult start to the season, Jeremie Frimpong has been handed yet another setback, this time on the international stage. Despite the call-up to the squad, the defender was left out of the matchday team for the Netherlands against Serbia, with Xavi opting for other players ahead of him.

The UEFA rules state that only a 23-man squad can be named for matches in the competition, and with a group that is currently too large, Xavi had to leave one star out. That unfortunate player, in the end, was Frimpong, as he watched on from the stands.

Florian Wirtz (Germany)

Florian Wirtz (L) looks on with team mate Karim Adeyemi during a Team Germany training session© Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Florian Wirtz was called up early to Jurgen Klopp's Germany squad, after the former Liverpool manager named two separate groups of players for the three-week break, with the playmaker arriving as a replacement for injured stars.

The attacking midfielder was then a second-half substitute for the team in a clash with Greece, but he was unable to make an impact, as they lost 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League.

Kostas Tsimikas (Greece)

Greece's defender #21 Kostas Tsimikas and Serbia's midfielder #14 Andrija Zivkovic (R) fight for the ball during the UEFA Nations League phase group A2 football match between Serbia and Greece at the Rajko Mitic Stadium© (Photo by Pedja Milosavljevic / AFP via Getty Images)

While Wirtz and Klopp were on the end of a frustrating result for Germany, Kostas Tsimikas was on the other end of the result with his nation, Greece.

The Liverpool full-back played the full match, as Dimitrios Kourbelis struck in the 74th minute to hand the side a historic win on the night.

Lewis Koumas (Wales)

Lewis Koumas of Wales and Liverpool© Getty Images

The wait for Wales' first win in the current UEFA Nations League draws on, as Lewis Koumas featured from the bench in the side's defeat to Denmark.

A Ben Davies own goal, followed up by a strike from Gustav Isaksen, put Craig Bellamy's team in an awkward position, with Koumas brought on to try and turn the game around after those goals.

However, it wasn't to be, as Wales looks ahead to a tough clash with Norway up next.

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