Liverpool await fitness updates on Isak and Gakpo before Man City showdown
Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City, with head coach Andoni Iraola confirming both attackers are currently injured after leaving international duty early.
Isak returned from Sweden duty with a thigh issue, while Gakpo’s Netherlands involvement was cut short by an ankle problem. Iraola said Liverpool must now wait to see whether either player can recover quickly enough to feature against City. “At the moment, both of them are injured,” he said.
The potential absences would further restrict Iraola’s attacking options, with Hugo Ekitike already sidelined for the long term by an Achilles injury. Centre-back Jérémy Jacquet is also a concern after missing France’s 4-1 win over Belgium on Monday because of a hamstring strain, although Iraola did not provide an update on the defender.
City arrive at Anfield for their first game since an independent commission found them guilty of Premier League financial-rule breaches. Liverpool remain unbeaten under Iraola, recording four wins and three draws, but the new manager has admitted his side have yet to consistently hit top gear.
Iraola stressed that Liverpool will need a complete performance against a City side he believes have been particularly dangerous in front of goal. He pointed to recent defensive progress, but said his team must also find a way to exploit City at the other end.
The Liverpool boss is still working to impose a more intense and direct approach while retaining control of matches. He cited the 2-2 draw at Newcastle, where Liverpool played well but allowed two goals on the break, as an example of the balance his team must improve.
Recent displays have brought greater control, Iraola said, but at the cost of some of the attacking fluency shown in the opening game. The immediate task is to find the right blend for Sunday — and discover whether Isak or Gakpo can be part of it.
