Liverpool could face a striker dilemma against Man City after both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo withdrew from international duty through injury
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)
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Andoni Iraola could face something of a selection headache when Liverpool return to club action against Man City next month after the Reds suffered two injury blows during the international break.
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo have withdrawn from the Sweden and Netherlands squads respectively, potentially leaving Liverpool short of striker options heading into a busy period.
Isak's injury was described as only minor as he returned to the AXA Training Centre for medical assessment, with Sweden boss Graham Potter revealing the centre-forward was suffering with a thigh issue.
However, reports in Gakpo's homeland suggest he could be sidelined for a number of weeks after undergoing scans on an ankle injury.
The attacking pair have been two of Liverpool's best players during the opening weeks of the season. But now Iraola might have to find a way to win without them.
With Hugo Ekitike a long-term absentee with an Achilles injury and Federico Chiesa yet to feature this season after picking up an injury in the summer, Lewis Koumas could be Iraola's only recognised centre-forward option when the Reds welcome Man City to Anfield.
Should Liverpool turn to the Wales international upfront if needed against Enzo Maresca's side? Or could there be another solution if the Reds are left without both Isak and Gakpo? Our ECHO writers debate who they think should start in attack...
Theo Squires
If Liverpool are left without Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo for Liverpool’s next run of games, Andoni Iraola is going to have to think outside of the box. Unless the box is the solution all along.
Under Arne Slot, the Reds had a decent enough return against Man City when playing two numbers 10 instead of a striker. Perhaps that tactic should be dusted off again?
It would enable Dominik Szoboszlai to play further forward alongside Florian Wirtz at the top of the box, with Ryan Gravenberch returning in midfield next to Alexis Mac Allister.
Bradley Barcola can then start on the left, with Victor Munoz just about getting the nod over Rio Ngumoha on the right.
I can see the temptation to start Lewis Koumas. He is a natural centre-forward after all. But I just think Liverpool need a bit of experience for this one. Save the Wales international to start away at LASK instead.
Arguments could also be made for Barcola or Munoz down the middle, with both having okay returns there. However, on closer inspection, the majority of their limited game-time at centre-forward has come at youth level. It’s a big step up to suddenly do it in the Premier League against the league-leaders.
Then there is the option of Wirtz as a false nine. But with the German facing intense scrutiny at the moment, it’s perhaps best to leave him in his favoured position.
And with it highly unlikely that Federico Chiesa is thrown back in, having been sidelined since the end of pre-season through injury, perhaps the answer - against City at least - has to be no striker at all.
Florian Wirtz Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Mark Jones
Anfield will be rocking a week on Sunday for 114 obvious reasons, so Liverpool should pick a side that is going to get after Manchester City and make life even more uncomfortable for them.
If there's no Alexander Isak or Cody Gakpo then that is not ideal, but hopefully Andoni Iraola will still be able to call upon one or both of them from the bench if they aren't able to start.
If that is the case then I could think of worse ideas than telling Lewis Koumas to put 90 minutes' worth of running into 60 as the No.9, closing down City's centre-backs and setting an aggressive press. We saw what happened to Marc Guehi for England against Spain, after all.
If Koumas works hard up to then the express pace of Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz could be utilised on the wings to test a City side who are sure to feel a little uncertain about themselves, and could be knocked out of their stride by the wingers taking the game to them.
Florian Wirtz can then get another go as the No.10, with the stage perhaps set for a big performance from a man who needs one.
Richard Garnett
Liverpool’s two best attacking players so far this season have been Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, so the prospect of both missing the crunch clash with Financial Fair Play botherers Manchester City does not exactly fill me with great optimism.
Nevertheless, there are other options that Andoni Iraola can bring into play.
Both Isak and Gakpo would have been certain to start this high-profile clash, but with Bradley Barcola now at the club, the first question is who should start on the right wing. Victor Munoz has the direct approach that Liverpool fans will want to see in a high-octane encounter, so he gets the nod for the former Mohamed Salah role, with Barcola on the opposite flank.
With the distinct lack of an established centre forward to call on, it’s time to hand a huge opportunity to Lewis Koumas, who can lead the line and press from the front. What a chance for the 21-year-old.
Doing that job for 90 minutes against City’s defenders is a big ask, so Koumas can get an hour before Rio Ngumoha is introduced, with Barcola switching to the central position.
It’s a different feel to Liverpool’s attack, but one that is not short on natural talent. Florian Wirtz can provide additional support from the No. 10 position, but don’t be surprised if either Alexis Mac Allister or Dominik Szoboszlai end up being deployed further forward as the game progresses.