Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed on Friday, 9 October, that neither attacker would be available for the meeting at Anfield, leaving his side with important decisions to make in attack against the league leaders.
Isak has a thigh injury, while Gakpo is recovering from an ankle problem. Iraola indicated that neither injury was expected to be long-term, although both players would be assessed on a day-to-day basis.
Isak and Gakpo ruled out
Isak returned from international duty with Sweden after suffering a thigh injury during the national team’s match against Romania. His absence comes at a difficult time for Liverpool, with the striker having scored four goals in his opening five league games.
Gakpo, meanwhile, sustained an ankle injury while representing the Netherlands against Serbia. The winger is undergoing individual work but has not recovered sufficiently to feature against City.
“Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo will not play the game. They are not ready,” Iraola said at his pre-match press conference.
The Liverpool manager expressed disappointment at losing two attacking options during the international break but offered reassurance that the injuries did not appear to be long-term.
Koumas could lead Liverpool’s attack
With Isak and Gakpo unavailable, young forward Lewis Koumas could be handed an important opportunity against City.
Iraola expressed confidence in the 21-year-old Welshman, saying the player had already demonstrated that he could handle significant minutes. However, the manager also acknowledged that Liverpool had alternative options, including deploying wingers in central attacking positions.
Federico Chiesa could return to contention after working his way back from a pre-season injury, although Iraola noted that the Italian had yet to play any minutes during his recovery.
Liverpool are also without Hugo Ekitike, further limiting their recognised centre-forward options.
The potential shortage means the coaching staff must find a suitable attacking combination for a match in which Liverpool will be keen to challenge the league leaders.
Jacquet available for selection
There was more positive news regarding defender Jeremy Jacquet, whom Iraola confirmed was fit and ready to play.
Jacquet had missed France’s recent international fixture against Belgium, but the manager said the decision had been precautionary and expected the defender to be available following the team’s final training session.
His availability could provide Liverpool with an important defensive option as they prepare to face a City side that has started the season strongly.
Iraola welcomes test against league leaders
Despite the injury setbacks, Iraola expressed enthusiasm about facing Manchester City at Anfield.
The Liverpool manager acknowledged the quality of their opponents but said his team would approach the contest with ambition and the intention of matching the visitors’ level.
He also stressed that the campaign remained at an early stage, with five league matches played, and that Sunday's result would not define the entire season.
Liverpool head into the match after winning four of their previous five games in all competitions, according to the pre-match report. City, meanwhile, arrive as Premier League leaders and will present a significant test for Iraola’s side.
Liverpool face crucial attacking decisions
The absence of Isak and Gakpo leaves Liverpool with fewer established attacking options for one of their most demanding fixtures of the season.
Koumas could be trusted to lead the line, while Chiesa’s possible return and the option of using wide players centrally give Iraola alternatives to consider.
With City arriving at Anfield in strong form, Liverpool will need their available players to respond quickly to the injury setbacks if they are to secure a positive result.