Steven Gerrard explains why it was ‘critical’ that Liverpool did not sell Cody Gakpo to Manchester City

Liverpool fans are still waiting to hear when Cody Gakpo will be back fit and available as he looks to build on a strong start to the season.

The Dutchman was the subject of transfer discussions before the campaign began, with an agreement reached to sell him to Manchester City. But after Liverpool failed to find a suitable replacement for him, Gakpo was kept and has subsequently stepped up to become a key player under Andoni Iraola.

An ankle injury sustained on international duty has curtailed his involvement for now, but former Reds captain Steven Gerrard has claimed that he is expecting the 27-year-old to be hugely important when he returns.