Where is Cody Gakpo? Why Liverpool star missed the Merseyside derby showdown with Everton - explained

The Dutchman appeared in the last 24 Premier League games for the Reds but was kept out of their matchday squad that is all set to take on rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday. The attacker opted to stay out of action as his partner went into labour.

In Gakpo's absence, Jurgen Klopp has fielded Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez alongside Mohamed Salah in the attack.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the game, Klopp said, "Diogo [Jota] is injured and Cody probably has the best excuse of all! Timing is not great, but much more importantly, right now they are expecting a baby. Now, maybe!"

The 24-year-old has been in fine form in the current season having scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 49 games across all competitions. He is the club's fourth-highest goalscorer in the 2023/24 campaign behind Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota. The Netherlands international was on target for the Merseyside club in their last game as they registered a 3-1 win over Fulham away from home.

The player recently opened up about how close he was to joining Liverpool's rivals Manchester United last season after he shared a conversation with manager Erik ten Hag. He, however, ended up signing for the Reds in January 2023.

Klopp's side, who are trailing league leaders Arsenal by three points at the moment, will hope to register a win over their city rivals at Goodison Park.