Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday (4.30pm kick-off) in a Premier League clash that will be missing several key players. The fixture is the first for both sides since the guilty verdict was handed to City over 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules. City are appealing the ruling, and Liverpool supporters are widely expected to make their views on the matter clear.
Both clubs are keen to build on victories secured before the international break three weeks ago. Liverpool edged past Bournemouth 1-0, while City maintained their perfect winning record with a 5-3 triumph over Sunderland.
Liverpool injury concerns
Iraola has confirmed that striker Alexander Isak will miss the match with a thigh injury sustained while on international duty. He is not anticipating the Sweden international to remain sidelined for an extended period.
Isak will be joined on the treatment table by Cody Gakpo, who picked up a problem while representing the Netherlands. "Gakpo has an ankle injury, a matter of him dealing with the pain," Iraola said. The pair join longer-term absentees Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni. Ekitike continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury, while Bradley and Leoni are both working their way back from Anterior Cruciate Ligament ruptures.
Federico Chiesa is yet to feature this season, though signs point towards a potential return in the near future, with the City clash possibly coming too soon. On a positive note, Iraola has dismissed concerns over defender Jeremy Jacquet's fitness. "I am happy for him personally, debut with France, that is always tough," he said. "He played well, he should be happy but has a long way to go. He is fit and ready to go. He will be fine. We need to train tomorrow."
Man City team news
City appear in considerably better shape injury-wise, with only one confirmed absentee for the fixture. However, uncertainty surrounds another squad member. Full-back Nico O'Reilly suffered an injury during England's Nations League defeat against Spain at the start of the international break, returning to City for further assessment.
Phil Foden is certain to miss the trip to Anfield, serving the third game of a three-match ban following his red card in the Manchester derby last month. The midfielder was dismissed after lashing out towards Bruno Fernandes.
One player Enzo Maresca has confirmed will be fit to feature is striker Erling Haaland. Concerns had been raised over the Norwegian after he appeared to request substitution during the second half of Norway's defeat against Portugal earlier this week. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Maresca said: "He's good. He went to Marbella, two, three days off, played golf, recovery, and ready for Anfield. He's good. Thank you."
