Liverpool could be without both Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak when they return to club action against Manchester City next month, after the pair withdrew from international duty through injury. The attacking duo have been two of Liverpool's best players during the opening weeks of the season, leaving head coach Andoni Iraola with a potential selection headache.
Isak's injury was described as only minor as he returned to the AXA Training Centre for medical assessment, with Sweden boss Graham Potter revealing the centre-forward was suffering with a thigh issue. However, reports in Gakpo's homeland suggest he could be sidelined for a number of weeks after undergoing scans on an ankle injury.
Striker options limited
With Hugo Ekitike a long-term absentee with an Achilles injury and Federico Chiesa yet to feature this season after picking up an injury in the summer, Lewis Koumas could be Iraola's only recognised centre-forward option when the Reds welcome Man City to Anfield. The Wales international could be handed a huge opportunity to lead the line and press from the front.
Our ECHO writers debate who they think should start in attack if the Reds are left without both Isak and Gakpo.
No striker at all?
Theo Squires argues that under Arne Slot, the Reds had a decent enough return against Man City when playing two numbers 10 instead of a striker. That tactic could be dusted off again, enabling Dominik Szoboszlai to play further forward alongside Florian Wirtz at the top of the box, with Ryan Gravenberch returning in midfield next to Alexis Mac Allister.
Bradley Barcola can then start on the left, with Victor Munoz just about getting the nod over Rio Ngumoha on the right. Squires can see the temptation to start Koumas, but believes Liverpool need a bit of experience for this one, saving the Wales international to start away at LASK instead.
Arguments could also be made for Barcola or Munoz down the middle, but the majority of their limited game-time at centre-forward has come at youth level. With it highly unlikely that Chiesa is thrown back in, perhaps the answer - against City at least - has to be no striker at all.
Koumas to lead the line
Mark Jones suggests that Anfield will be rocking for obvious reasons, so Liverpool should pick a side that is going to get after Manchester City and make life even more uncomfortable for them. If both Isak and Gakpo are missing, Jones could think of worse ideas than telling Koumas to put 90 minutes' worth of running into 60 as the No.9, closing down City's centre-backs and setting an aggressive press.
The express pace of Barcola and Munoz could then be utilised on the wings to test a City side who are sure to feel a little uncertain about themselves. Wirtz can get another go as the No.10, with the stage perhaps set for a big performance from a man who needs one.
Richard Garnett argues that with the distinct lack of an established centre forward to call on, it's time to hand a huge opportunity to Koumas, who can lead the line and press from the front. Koumas can get an hour before Rio Ngumoha is introduced, with Barcola switching to the central position. Wirtz can provide additional support from the No. 10 position, but don't be surprised if either Alexis Mac Allister or Dominik Szoboszlai end up being deployed further forward as the game progresses.
