Liverpool will be without Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo for Sunday’s heavyweight Premier League meeting with leaders Manchester City at Anfield, a major blow ahead of the Liverpool Man City clash. Head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed on Friday that both forwards picked up injuries during the international break.
“Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo will not play the game, they are not ready,” Iraola said. “Unfortunately for us, both got injuries during the international break.”
The Liverpool Man City clash is the standout fixture of the weekend. City arrive at Anfield as the only side with a 100 per cent record after five games, while Liverpool sit sixth, six points behind, with two wins and three draws.
Liverpool Man City clash hit by double injury blow
Gakpo suffered an ankle injury playing for the Netherlands in their 2-1 Nations League win over Serbia on September 27. Isak hurt his thigh while on Sweden duty against Romania, an injury Iraola described as “small” but still a muscle problem.
Neither injury is believed to be long term. The club will monitor both players day by day, with Gakpo’s return depending on how he copes with the pain.
“Cody has an ankle injury,” Iraola explained. “He is doing things individually but he is not ready for Sunday. And Alex has a thigh injury. It’s a small injury but it’s a muscle injury. They both don’t look like long-term.”
Isak’s absence is a significant setback. The striker had finally found his form, scoring four goals in the opening five league games before the break.
Koumas ready to step up
With Hugo Ekitike also sidelined long term, Iraola admitted his attacking options are stretched. The 21-year-old Wales forward Lewis Koumas could lead the line against City.
“Koumas has our trust,” Iraola said. “I don’t think it’s a big surprise. I always liked the player and he has already shown in important minutes that he is ready to go.”
Iraola also dropped a hint that Bradley Barcola could feature, calling him “a top player for us” who can cover all three positions across the front line. “I think we will put an XI with a level enough to compete for that game,” he added. “It is a good moment for those players to step up.”
There was better news at the back. Centre-back Jeremy Jacquet is fit and ready after missing France’s win over Belgium as a precaution, while Federico Chiesa is back in training.
Title race context
Sunday’s game kicks off at 4:30pm UK time and will be refereed by Chris Kavanagh. It is City’s first match since an independent commission found them in breach of the Premier League’s financial rules, a verdict the club denies and has appealed. Enzo Maresca has backed the club through the process.
City will be without Phil Foden, who serves the final match of his suspension, and are sweating on the fitness of Nico O’Reilly after he withdrew from the England squad. Maresca confirmed Erling Haaland is fit.
Iraola said the coming run of league and Champions League fixtures would reveal much about his side. “After this run of games, we will really know where we are,” he said.
Frequently asked questions
When is Liverpool vs Manchester City?
The match takes place at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, kicking off at 4:30pm UK time (8:30pm PKT).
Why are Isak and Gakpo missing the game?
Both suffered injuries on international duty. Gakpo hurt his ankle playing for the Netherlands against Serbia, while Isak picked up a thigh injury with Sweden against Romania.
Who will replace Isak and Gakpo?
Twenty-one-year-old Lewis Koumas could lead the attack, with Iraola also hinting Bradley Barcola may feature across the front three.
What is the team news for Manchester City?
City are without the suspended Phil Foden and have a doubt over Nico O’Reilly, but Erling Haaland is fit.
*Sources: Reuters. Related: Man City appeal guilty verdict on financial rules, O’Reilly returns to Man City after England injury, Marsch on City relegation punishment debate.*
