Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will be unavailable for Sunday's high-profile Premier League encounter against Manchester City at Anfield, dealing a blow to the Reds' attacking options for the fixture.
Both players picked up injuries while away on international duty, forcing them to withdraw early from their respective national squads. Isak was with Sweden, while Gakpo was representing the Netherlands, and the nature of their fitness issues means neither will be fit enough to feature against City.
Addressing the media on Friday ahead of the match, Iraola delivered the update on his sidelined attackers. "Yes, Alex Isak and Gakpo will not play, they are not ready unfortunately for us. They got injuries during the international break," he said.
The Liverpool boss went on to explain the frustration of managing player fitness during international windows, when clubs often have limited control or immediate information about their players' conditions. "You are always waiting hoping the doctor doesn't call you with bad news, but we have been unlucky," Iraola added.
According to the manager, Gakpo's issue stems from an ankle problem sustained following what Iraola described as a rough challenge during his time with the Dutch national side. "Gakpo has an ankle injury, a matter of him dealing with the pain. A bad tackle I think. He is working but not for Sunday," he explained, suggesting the forward is already in the recovery process but simply not ready to be risked against City.
As for Isak, the issue is described as a thigh injury, one that Iraola does not believe will keep the Swedish striker out for an extended period. "Isak has a thigh injury, whenever he feels ready they don't look like long-term injuries. But they are not ready for Sunday," the manager stated, offering a note of optimism that both players could return to full training and matchday contention relatively soon once they've had adequate time to recover.
The timing of the setbacks is far from ideal for Liverpool, who face a tough test against a Manchester City side that always poses significant threats at Anfield. Losing two key attacking options in Isak and Gakpo simultaneously will require Iraola to reshuffle his forward line and potentially hand opportunities to other squad members looking to step up in their absence.
While neither injury appears to be severe enough to sideline the pair for an extended stretch, their absence for such a crucial fixture underscores the ongoing challenges clubs face with international breaks disrupting squad continuity. Liverpool will now have to navigate Sunday's clash without two of their more dynamic forward options, placing greater onus on the rest of the squad to deliver the goods against a City team that will look to capitalize on any weaknesses in the home side's attacking setup.
Attention now turns to how Iraola reshapes his starting lineup and tactical approach without his two attacking options, as Liverpool look to secure a positive result against one of their fiercest Premier League rivals despite the selection headache caused by the injury concerns.
Based on reporting from standard-football.