Liverpool and Manchester City both look set to be missing some players for the huge clash between the two teams, as Andoni Iraola and Enzo Maresca prepare for a huge return to action after the international break.
Cody Gakpo of Netherlands talks to referee Szymon Marciniak during the UEFA Nations League match between Serbia and Netherlands
Cody Gakpo is an injury doubt for Liverpool against Manchester City(Image: (Photo by Dijks Media/MB Media/Getty Images))
The end of the international break is nearly here, and while the extended three-week break offered some respite for Andoni Iraola and a few of his Liverpool players, attention turns back to matters on the pitch.
The Reds have made a somewhat positive start to the campaign, remaining unbeaten across all competitions, but there is a sense that more is to come from this group.
In the weeks ahead, the Merseyside outfit will be tested time and again, with some interesting clashes coming up, starting off with Manchester City at Anfield.
While the backdrop of the match will surround the guilty verdict given against Man City over the break, the talking needs to be done on the pitch, as Liverpool goes in search of another important three points.
Both teams will be missing some key players for the match, be that through injury or suspension, which could change the plans of Iraola and Enzo Maresca in their respective dugouts.
So, with that said, here's a look at nine players who could miss out on Liverpool vs Manchester City at Anfield.
Cody Gakpo
Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo and Serbia midfielder Sasa Lukic during the UEFA Nations League match between Serbia and the Netherlands at Rajko Mitic Stadion in Belgrade, on September 27, 2026. (Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo is a doubt for Liverpool after injuring his ankle with the Netherlands(Image: Getty Images)
After a magnificent start to the season, Cody Gakpo has been handed a blow after he picked up an ankle injury during the international break with the Netherlands.
The forward landed awkwardly in the clash with Serbia, and ultimately had to withdraw from the group early to recover from the issue he picked up.
The current timeline of his recovery is uncertain, with the extent of the injury yet to be revealed, but there is a real possibility that he misses out on the match against Man City.
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak of Sweden
Alexander Isak has withdrawn from international duty with an injury(Image: Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Another withdrawal during the international break came for Alexander Isak. While the striker played out the whole of Sweden's match with Romania, he picked up a thigh problem in the process, which ruled him out of the rest of the international period for his nation.
There is some hope that he could feature against Man City, due to the problem simply being described as "minor", but he could also be a doubt.
Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco
Federico Chiesa has been out of action for Liverpool with an injury(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Having been out of action since preseason with a back injury, Federico Chiesa appears to be closing in on a return to action for his first minutes of the campaign.
The Italian international was expected to be back in training during the international, putting him down asa likely returnee for the clash with Man City.
Whether he will be back at full fitness for then, however, remains to be seen, with an update set to be given later in the week.
Giovanni Leoni
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 14: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 14, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Giovanni Leoni is closing in on a return for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Giovanni Leoni has spent plenty of time on the sidelines due to a serious knee injury he picked up on his debut for Liverpool last year.
Now in the final phase of his recovery process, the star is expected to be back in full training this week. Considering the length of time he has been out, however, it's unclear whether he will be thrown straight into the matchday squad against Man City.
Conor Bradley
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 07: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Conor Bradley of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 07, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Conor Bradley is continuing his recovery from a serious knee injury(Image: Getty Images)
Conor Bradley is another player who has been out for quite some time due to a serious knee injury, with some way left to go in his rehabilitation process yet.
A return late next month appears more likely for the right-back, who is getting closer to being in full training again with each passing day.
Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images))
The final Liverpool injury issue on the list is Hugo Ekitike, who has been unavailable since he picked up an Achilles problem late in the previous campaign.
The striker is not expected to return until around December, with a few months left of his recovery until he will be fit and firing for the team once again.
Phil Foden
Manchester City's Phil Foden was sent off against Manchester United and will now miss a number of games.
Manchester City's Phil Foden was sent off against Manchester United and will now miss a number of games.(Image: PA Wire)
Manchester City will be without Phil Foden, as the forward serves a three-match suspension for a red card that he picked up in the side's Manchester derby clash with rivals Manchester United.
The red card resulted from a coming together between Foden and Bruno Fernandes, with the former adjudged to have kicked out at his opposite number, with the sending off noted as violent conduct.
Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Exeter City
Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Exeter City(Image: Getty)
Iraola may be denied a reunion with former Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, who is a doubt for the match due to an ankle injury he has picked up.
The winger had to drop out of the Ghana squad over the international break due to the knock he received against Sunderland before the three-week stoppage.
Nico O'Reilly
Nico O'Reilly of England and Manchester City
Nico O'Reilly of England and Manchester City(Image: 2026 The FA)
Nico O'Reilly is another doubt for Manchester City, after the left-back had to withdraw from the England squad early because of an injury concern.
The defender played for the Three Lions in a defeat to Spain, but was unavailable for the remaining games, returning to Manchester as a doubt for the upcoming clash.