Liverpool have been dealt a double attacking blow ahead of Sunday's blockbuster Premier League clash with Manchester City, after Andoni Iraola confirmed that both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will miss the Anfield showdown with injuries picked up on international duty.
The news, confirmed by Iraola at his Friday press conference, leaves the Reds without two of their most important attacking weapons for the visit of the league leaders — a match already loaded with extra significance given City are playing for the first time since an independent commission found them guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules.
Iraola Confirms Double Blow
The news was first reported by Reuters.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, the Liverpool boss left no room for doubt about his front two's availability.
"Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo will not play the game, they are not ready, they both have injuries in the international break," Iraola said.
Isak suffered what his manager described as a "small" thigh injury while on duty with Sweden against Romania. Gakpo, meanwhile, picked up an ankle problem playing for the Netherlands against Serbia.
Both players had already missed training earlier this week, raising fears they would not recover in time — fears Iraola has now confirmed.
Isak's Timing Could Not Be Worse
Isak's absence is a significant blow after the striker had finally found his form in a Liverpool shirt. The Swede has scored four goals in the opening five league games, emerging as the Reds' most reliable finisher during a stuttering start to the campaign.
Liverpool sit six points behind City in sixth place after five matches, with two wins and three draws, and their manager was counting on Isak to lead the line against the league's best defence. talkSPORT's live blog also confirmed the double blow.
Neither injury is believed to be long-term, though Gakpo's availability beyond Sunday will depend on how he copes with the pain, with the club monitoring both players day by day.
Koumas to Lead the Line?
Their absence could open the door for 21-year-old Wales forward Lewis Koumas to lead the attack against City, a huge stage for the young striker.
"Koumas has our trust. I don't think it's a big surprise, I always liked the player and he has already shown in important minutes that he is ready to go," Iraola said.
Koumas has impressed in cameo appearances this season, and Anfield on Sunday would represent by far the biggest test of his young career.
A Defining Stretch for Liverpool
Iraola admitted the demanding run of games before the next international break in November would reveal a great deal about his side's credentials.
"I think this run of games we have now (with league and Champions League campaigns resuming), the demands are very high, they are also very condensed, so I think it will say a lot about us," he said.
City arrive at Anfield with a 100% record after five games and top of the table, but under a cloud of uncertainty following the verdict against them. The champions have lodged an appeal and deny any wrongdoing, while Iraola urged patience: "Uncertainty is not good for anyone, but the process is ongoing and we have to be patient."
Beyond the Final Whistle: Liverpool will have to beat the best team in the league without their two star forwards, and a 21-year-old may be asked to carry the attack. Can Koumas seize his moment and keep Liverpool's title race alive?
