Explained: Why Cody Gakpo isn't among rested stars for Liverpool's trip to PSV Eindhoven with nine key players left home

Gakpo joined PSV at the age of six and spent 16 years at the club before leaving them for a move to Merseyside in January 2023. The Dutch forward has been named in the Reds' 21-man travelling squad to the Netherlands for Champions League duty this week, despite head coach Arne Slot resting nine other key first-team players.

Speaking to reporters, Gakpo shared his feelings on facing his former team as he said: "It's a beautiful moment for me. [It will be] pretty strange. I think I've never been in the away dressing room, so it will be the first time and on the other side of the walkout. So, different than I was used to.

"But when the game will start I think all those things will fade away and we all will be focused on the game. With the team we have, we are here and we are going for the win. Hopefully, it will be a good game."

He added: "Hopefully [I get] a good reception from the fans. I think I always had a good connection with them, so I'm looking forward to seeing them again tomorrow."

The 25-year-old also explained why he was included in the travelling squad while the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold were left at home to rest. Gakpo said: "I got the question from the manager [about staying at home] as well but I didn't play one minute against Lille last week [and] also from the manager's point of view [he knew] that I would probably like to come over here and get some minutes here. So, that's why I'm here."

After facing the Eredivisie giants on Wednesday, the Reds will be back in action in the Premier League on February 1 as they take on Bournemouth in a difficult away fixture.