Liverpool could be without both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo when it returns from the international break, which could give Andoni Iraola a major headache against Manchester City
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Alexander Isak of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Cody Gakpo during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Liverpool could be without both Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak against Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
It’s far from the biggest subplot surrounding the game, but Liverpool is facing something of an injury crisis heading into its next game against Manchester City.
After the bombshell news of last week, much of the focus will be on the visitors when Enzo Maresca brings his side to Anfield on October 11. Having now been found guilty of almost all of the 115 charges handed down to them by the Premier League, the Reds aren’t the only ones watching on with interest as to what will happen next.
Before we know the outcome of any appeal or potential punishments for the Etihad side, there is the comparatively small matter of three points to play for once the international break ends — a break Liverpool will be glad to see the back of at this stage.
With Alexander Isak having already made an early return after just one game for Sweden, Cody Gakpo is now also on his way back to Merseyside after suffering an ankle injury in the Netherlands’ win over Serbia on Sunday.
The prospect of both players missing the game against City is certainly not insignificant. Between them, they have had a hand in eight of Liverpool’s 12 goals so far this season, and their form wasn’t showing any signs of slowing down with their countries either until they picked up their injuries.
Gakpo’s issue looks more worrying of the two, with hopes still high that Isak will be able to recover in time to face City. There is, though, the prospect that Liverpool will go into that game not only without its two best attackers so far this season, but its two main options to play up front.
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Without them, Andoni Iraola may have to look at alternative options, and keep his fingers crossed that neither has too long a lay-off.
With Hugo Ekitike still a long way off a return, the Reds would be struggling for options to play as the No.9 against City. The most obvious choice for Iraola would be to play Lewis Koumas up front, given he has already done so against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
In which case, the line-up against City might look like this: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Barcola; Koumas.
Lewis Koumas in action for Wales
Lewis Koumas is the obvious solution for Andoni Iraola to turn to(Image: Getty Images)
Alternatively, Iraola could look to play one of his regular wingers up front. None of Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz, or Rio Ngumoha especially jumps out as a natural No. 9, although the former has filled in on occasion there previously, which might present an opportunity for all three to play.
In that scenario, the team could look like this: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Munoz; Barcola.
There is, of course, the ongoing Florian Wirtz question which needs to be answered. Given his recent performances, there is a very strong argument to be made for him to be dropped against City, although the injuries to Isak and Gakpo may hand him a lifeline.
Florian Wirtz of Germany looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Germany and Greece
Florian Wirtz could end up taking on a new role(Image: (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images))
In fact, he may even be able to offer another solution. It feels far from ideal to entrust a player seemingly so low on confidence to lead the line against the side currently top of the table, but Wirtz did play as something of a false nine last season, and the experiment could be resurrected next month.
With that in mind, Iraola’s wildcard option could be: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Ngumoha, Szoboszlai, Barcola; Wirtz.
The best-case scenario would be that Isak proves his fitness and plays against City. If not, Iraola is going to have a big call on his hands.