Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are currently injured, leaving their availability for the Manchester City game in doubt.
Both forwards returned early from international duty. Isak picked up a thigh problem while with Sweden, while Gakpo suffered an ankle injury during the Netherlands’ match against Serbia.
Iraola said the club now has to determine whether the two attackers can recover in time to help Liverpool in the upcoming match. He did not rule either player out completely, but stressed that both are currently injured.
Gakpo was forced off after only 17 minutes against Serbia following a challenge around his ankle. Initial reports suggested the injury might not be particularly serious, but he was sent back to Liverpool for further assessment.
Isak, meanwhile, had already withdrawn from Sweden’s squad because of a thigh issue. Sweden manager Graham Potter described the problem as a small/minor injury, but said Isak would miss the remaining international fixtures.
The timing is particularly unfortunate for Liverpool because the Reds are preparing for a major Premier League meeting with Manchester City at Anfield. Gakpo has been one of Liverpool’s important attacking contributors, while Isak has also been among their main goalscoring threats.
Liverpool have made an unbeaten start under Iraola, but City have started the season even more strongly, winning all of their league matches so far. Iraola acknowledged that Liverpool will need to perform at a very high level to beat them.
Bottom line: Isak and Gakpo have not been definitively ruled out, but both are currently injured and their availability for the Man City clash will depend on how quickly they recover.
