Liverpool's preparations for Sunday's seismic Premier League clash with Manchester City have been rocked by the confirmed absence of Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo from training, with Andoni Iraola admitting both forwards are injured and racing the clock to be fit for Anfield.
Footage from Liverpool's training camp on Thursday showed neither Isak nor Gakpo present, a worrying sight for Reds supporters with the unbeaten league leaders arriving this weekend. Iraola confirmed the club's worst fears this week, revealing both players returned from international duty damaged and are major doubts for Sunday's clash, according to Flashscore.
"I think Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo both have had to leave the national teams with injuries," Iraola said. "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."
Isak's thigh blow
Isak, Liverpool's record signing, picked up a minor thigh problem while away with Sweden and was sent home early as a precaution. Sweden's medical team decided against risking the striker for their remaining fixtures, and the fact the issue required early withdrawal was always viewed as a negative sign.
The 26-year-old has four goals in five Premier League appearances this season and is central to Iraola's attacking plans. His absence from Thursday's session suggests the thigh problem has not cleared as quickly as Liverpool would have liked.
Gakpo's ankle scare
Gakpo's problem is arguably even more concerning. The Dutchman was forced off after a heavy tackle during the Netherlands' win over Serbia and also cut his international break short. He has two goals and four assists in six games for Liverpool this season, and between them the pair have had a hand in eight of the Reds' 12 goals in all competitions this term.
With Hugo Ekitike already ruled out until December at the earliest, Gakpo was effectively next in line behind Isak for the No.9 role. Losing both forwards for the visit of City would leave Iraola's attacking options threadbare at the worst possible moment.
Jacquet returns as one boost
There was at least one piece of good news from Thursday's session. Jeremy Jacquet, who suffered a left hamstring strain while on France duty and missed the 4-1 win over Belgium, was back in training.
The young defender has been impressive alongside Virgil van Dijk this season and his return eases the pressure on Liverpool's back line. But one defender returning does little to solve the crisis at the other end of the pitch.
Iraola's City headache
Both Liverpool and Manchester City head into Sunday unbeaten, but Manchester City sit six points clear at the top having won all of their games. Facing the champions without your two most productive attackers is a nightmare scenario, particularly given the off-field backdrop: City's guilty verdict in the financial fair-play saga has ensured Anfield will be hostile, but anger alone does not score goals.
Iraola may be forced into a makeshift attack. Federico Chiesa is one option to lead the line but has only just returned to training himself, while moving a winger centrally or throwing in 21-year-old Lewis Koumas — whose decision to stay at Anfield over a loan move was personally sanctioned by Iraola, according to Liverpool.com — could be the boldest option of all.
Koumas in cameo appearances this season, and with Chiesa not fully trusted and no natural striker fit, the academy product might be about to face the Koumas has impressed in impressed in of his career far sooner than anyone expected.
Beyond the Final Whistle: Isak and Gakpo's absence from training is the clearest sign yet that Liverpool could face Manchester City without their two most important attackers. With City six points clear and unbeaten, Iraola's men may need an Anfield miracle — or a bold call on youth — to keep the title race alive.
Should Iraola gamble on Koumas up front against City, or does the occasion demand experience? Let us know in the comments.
