Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are both injured after withdrawing from their national squads during the international break. The pair returned to the AXA Training Centre for further medical assessment ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield.
Injury concerns for attacking duo
Isak pulled out of the Sweden squad with a thigh issue, described as minor by Sweden boss Graham Potter. Gakpo suffered an ankle injury and was substituted early in the Netherlands' victory in Serbia, with reports suggesting he could face several weeks on the sidelines.
If both are unavailable, Liverpool could be short in attack, with Lewis Koumas potentially their only available natural senior striker. Hugo Ekitike remains a long-term absentee with an Achilles injury, while Federico Chiesa has not featured this season after suffering an injury at the end of pre-season.
Iraola's update on fitness
Speaking to beIN SPORTS, Iraola said: "I think Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo both have had to leave the national teams with injuries. Now it's a matter of if they are going to recover in time to help us in the next game or not. But right now they are both injured."
Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League table but remain unbeaten under Iraola. City, led by Enzo Maresca, have won all five of their league matches so far, though they return to action after being found guilty of breaching the English top-flight's financial regulations during the break.
Iraola on the challenge ahead
Iraola acknowledged the difficulty of facing the league leaders, saying: "I think it's a big game and I think everyone is expecting to play, to watch, to be part of that game. I think we are playing against the team that is right now at the top of the league, so definitely it's an important game for us."
He added: "We know we will have to be at our best and also I know that the people will be looking to help the team. We've been unbeaten but they've won all of them, so it makes a big difference in their side. I think we need to be very, very good if we want to beat City because they've been especially offensively scoring a lot of goals lately."
Iraola also expressed confidence in his squad's future, saying: "I think the international break is a moment to reflect because we have normally a crazier schedule. You go two, three days preparing the next game. Then you need, I think, a break, analyse how the season has gone so far."
He concluded: "I don't know where this will put us but I'm sure that if we can give these players a good platform, a good structure, we will be there fighting for the titles, yes."
