Liverpool have been hit by two fresh injury concerns heading into the second week of the first international break of the season.
The Reds entered the three-week break on a high after Alexander Isak’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 win over Bournemouth on September 20.
However, there are doubts over Isak’s availability for Liverpool’s clash with Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield on October 11. The striker withdrew from the Sweden squad after scoring against Romania and is now racing to recover in time.
Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola faces an anxious wait over Cody Gakpo after the forward was forced off during the Netherlands’ 2-1 win over Serbia.
France international Hugo Ekitike has also been sidelined since rupturing his right Achilles tendon against Paris Saint-Germain in April.
Due to the severity of Ekitike’s injury, no definitive timeline was initially set for his return to action, although he was expected to miss a significant part of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Ekitike has regularly shared updates on his recovery and recently posted footage of himself kicking and juggling a ball indoors.
Iraola included the 24-year-old in Liverpool’s Champions League squad, raising hopes of a return for the final two league-phase games against Inter Milan and Lens in January.
With regard to the latest injury update on Ekitike, Iraola said: “There is a hope and there is a realistic chance that he could help us in January, yes.”
According to L’Equipe, Ekitike is targeting a return to training in November, with a competitive comeback potentially following in December.
Ekitike spent time at Clairefontaine, France’s national team headquarters, continuing his rehabilitation in September before returning to Liverpool.
The France international recently travelled to the United States to consult a specialist and is now able to jog, suggesting his recovery is progressing well.
Ekitike was Liverpool’s top scorer last season with 17 goals across all competitions. He joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in July 2025 for a reported £79million, signing a long-term contract.
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