Liverpool sweat on Isak and Gakpo fitness ahead of Manchester City showdown
Liverpool are assessing Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo ahead of Sunday’s Anfield showdown with Manchester City after both forwards returned from international duty injured.
Key takeaways
- Isak left the Sweden camp with a thigh problem.
- Gakpo suffered an ankle issue after being taken off early in the Netherlands’ win over Serbia.
- Manchester City arrive having won each of their first five league fixtures.
- Liverpool could be left with Lewis Koumas as their only natural senior centre-forward.
- Manager Andoni Iraola believes his side’s recent defensive progress can give them a chance against City.
Fitness race for City fixture
Iraola confirmed both attackers are currently unavailable, with Liverpool now waiting to discover whether either can recover in time for the next match.
“Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo have both had to come away from their national teams because of injuries,” Iraola said. “The question is whether they can be ready to help us in the next game, but at the moment both are injured.”
Isak’s withdrawal from Sweden duty and Gakpo’s early exit against Serbia have created a fresh selection concern before a major test. Should neither be passed fit, Koumas may be asked to lead the line against City.
Liverpool target response against perfect City
City have taken maximum points from five league games and arrive in strong attacking form. Iraola said Liverpool will need to reach a high level at both ends of the pitch to stop the visitors.
He pointed to City’s recent goal output and the quality within their forward ranks, but also stressed that Liverpool have tightened up defensively in recent weeks. The aim, he said, is to contain City’s key threats while causing problems in the opposite direction.
The international break has also given Iraola time to review the opening stretch of the campaign, following a period in which successive games left little time for detailed analysis.
He said Liverpool had not set a fixed points target or final league position. Instead, the manager wants the team to finish as high as possible by giving the squad a clear structure and platform, believing that approach can put them in contention for trophies.
