Iraola says Isak and Gakpo will miss Manchester City clash

Andoni Iraola said on Friday that Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo would be unavailable for Liverpool’s Premier League match against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. The coach confirmed that both starting forwards had been injured during the international break.

Gakpo picked up an ankle injury in the Netherlands’ match against Serbia. Isak injured his thigh while playing for Sweden against Romania; Iraola described the injury as “slight”. The coach does not expect either absence to be long-term. Gakpo’s return will depend in part on how well he can tolerate the pain, and the club is monitoring both players day by day.

Their absence could give 21-year-old Welsh forward Lewis Koumas the chance to lead the attack against Manchester City. Iraola said: “We have confidence in Koumas. I don’t think this is a big surprise, because I have always liked him, and he has already shown in decisive moments that he was ready to play; we also have other players who can fill those positions.”

The stakes extend beyond replacing two forwards. Manchester City lead the standings and are the only team to have won their first five matches. Liverpool are sixth, six points behind, with two wins and three draws. Iraola described the run of fixtures awaiting his team before the November international break as an important test. “I think that after this run of matches, we will really know our level,” he said.

The Anfield meeting also comes amid proceedings concerning Manchester City. An independent commission found the club guilty of more than 100 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. Manchester City denies any wrongdoing and has appealed the decision.