Liverpool could be without two important attacking options when they host Manchester City in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday.
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are both doubts after returning to Liverpool early from international duty with injuries. Their conditions are now being monitored by the club’s medical team ahead of the crucial meeting.
The final decision on their availability will be made closer to kick-off after both players undergo further assessments.
The situation creates another selection concern for Liverpool ahead of a major Premier League fixture, particularly with Jeremy Jacquet also facing a fitness doubt.
Isak and Gakpo Return From International Duty Injured
Alexander Isak suffered a thigh injury while representing Sweden in their 2-1 victory over Romania.
The timing is particularly unfortunate for the striker, who had made an encouraging start to the Premier League season. Isak had scored four goals in his first five league appearances, establishing himself as one of Liverpool’s standout attacking players early in the campaign.
Cody Gakpo also returned to Liverpool after suffering an injury while playing for the Netherlands against Serbia.
Gakpo was involved in the match but was forced off after just 17 minutes. He initially attempted to continue after being caught by a strong challenge from Sasa Lukic, before eventually asking to be substituted.
Both players subsequently left their respective international camps and returned to their club for further examinations.
Andoni Iraola confirmed that the pair remain doubts ahead of the Manchester City fixture.
“I think Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo both had to leave the national team because of injuries,” Iraola said.
“The question now is whether they can recover in time to help us in the next match or not. But at the moment, they are both injured,” he added.
Liverpool Waiting for Final Fitness Decision
Liverpool will now have to wait before knowing whether Isak and Gakpo can feature at Anfield.
The medical assessments will determine whether either player has recovered sufficiently to take part against Manchester City.
For Liverpool, the timing could hardly be more challenging.
Isak has been an important source of goals during the opening part of the Premier League campaign, while Gakpo has also been in positive form before his injury.
Their potential absence could therefore force changes to Liverpool’s attacking plans.
The main concerns ahead of the match are:
- Isak is recovering from a thigh injury.
- Gakpo suffered an injury against Serbia.
- Both players left international duty early.
- Their availability will be assessed before the match.
- Liverpool are also monitoring Jeremy Jacquet.
Jeremy Jacquet Adds to Liverpool’s Injury Concerns
Liverpool’s concerns are not limited to the forward line.
Jeremy Jacquet is also a doubt after suffering a problem with his left hamstring while on international duty with France.
The 21-year-old defender missed France’s 4-1 victory over Belgium as a result of the injury.
Jacquet has been a regular starter for Liverpool in the Premier League this season, forming a partnership with captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
His consistent involvement makes his fitness another important issue for Liverpool ahead of the Manchester City match.
Should Jacquet be unavailable alongside Isak and Gakpo, Liverpool would potentially have to adjust both their attacking and defensive options for one of the biggest games on their schedule.
Liverpool Have Plenty at Stake Against City
The Liverpool vs Manchester City meeting carries significance beyond the immediate three points.
Liverpool have finished as runners-up behind Manchester City three times since 2013. One of those campaigns came in the 2018-19 season, when Liverpool collected 97 points but still finished second.
That total remains the highest points tally recorded by a second-place team in the history of England’s top flight.
The latest meeting therefore provides another important chapter in the long-running competition between the two clubs.
The match also comes amid attention surrounding Manchester City’s previous financial-rule case, after the club was found guilty of 114 breaches related to Premier League financial regulations.
For Liverpool, however, the focus will remain firmly on what happens on the pitch.
Iraola Warns Liverpool About City’s Attack
Andoni Iraola knows Liverpool will need an exceptional performance to beat Manchester City.
The manager highlighted City’s attacking threat, particularly their recent goalscoring form.
Manchester City’s ability to create and finish chances means Liverpool cannot afford to give their opponents too much space.
At the same time, Iraola believes Liverpool have made progress defensively in recent matches. That improvement could prove crucial if they are to contain City’s attacking players at Anfield.
“I think we have to play very, very well if we want to beat City because they are especially sharp in attack and have been scoring a lot of goals lately,” Iraola said.
He also acknowledged the number of dangerous players available to Manchester City.
However, Liverpool’s defensive progress gives him reason for optimism.
“I think we have shown good defensive improvement lately and I hope we can contain the threat they have while also causing them problems at the other end,” he added.
Liverpool Need Answers Before Kick-Off
The fitness of Isak, Gakpo and Jacquet could have a significant influence on Liverpool’s plans against Manchester City.
For now, all three remain under assessment, meaning Liverpool must wait before making final decisions on their involvement.
Isak’s goalscoring form makes his potential absence particularly significant, while Gakpo’s injury creates another question for the attacking setup. Jacquet’s situation could also force adjustments at the back.
Liverpool will hope the international break does not leave lasting damage to their squad.
The priority now is clear: assess the injured players, determine who is fit enough to play and prepare for a Manchester City side that Iraola expects to provide a major attacking threat.
With the match taking place at Anfield, Liverpool will be looking to make home advantage count. But before that, the fitness reports surrounding Isak, Gakpo and Jacquet could become one of the biggest talking points leading into the clash.
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