Liverpool boss Arne Slot has issued an update on Cody Gakpo. The forward has missed the last two games with an injury.

Speaking at a press conference, Slot confirmed that Gakpo's availability against Manchester City will go down to the wire. He is yet to train with the team ahead of the trip to the Etihad:

"Let's see, I hope so," said Slot. "He hasn't trained with the team yet.

"Maybe he does a bit today, I don't know exactly. It will be a close call."

Gakpo's absence was felt against Aston Villa. Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez both failed to convert big chances, and Liverpool ultimately dropped two points, missing the chance to go 10 points clear of Arsenal at the Premier League summit.

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The narrative is that Liverpool has been quite fortunate with injuries this season, at least compared to Arsenal. But Slot also provided a fairly gloomy update on Joe Gomez, who has now undergone surgery following the recurrence of his muscle issue.

"Joe Gomez had a surgery on his hamstring injury," Slot confirmed. "He will be out for a long time but hopefully before the end of the season."

Meanwhile, there will have to be a proper assessment done on Conor Bradley. Introduced as a susbstitute against Villa, he later had to be withdrawn himself, having picked up a muscle complaint.

"Conor still has to come in, we don't know yet," Slot said. "I would be surprised if he is involved on Sunday or on Wednesday against Newcastle."

That will put the strain on Trent Alexander-Arnold, himself only recently back from injury. Slot underlined the burden being placed on his squad:

"Jota and Trent have just come back from injury, and that is why they don't play 90 minutes, five times in a row in 15 days. That would be a big risk."

This assessment should also temper initial expectations when it comes to Gakpo. Even if the Dutchman does make it back for the huge Manchester City clash, Slot is highly unlikely to throw him in for the full 90 minutes.

In all likelihood, he will be eased back over the course of the next few games, perhaps starting from the bench at first. But if Slot can have a game-changer like Gakpo among his substitutes at the weekend, that will be no small thing, with three points at the Etihad now feeling almost like a requirement as the pressure mounts.