Andoni Iraola could be faced with a selection poser in attack if two Liverpool players fail to overcome international injuries
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola(Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
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One week, two weeks, three weeks, four. It doesn't really matter how long the international break, club managers largely have the same approach - keeping their fingers and everything else crossed their players return unscathed.
That, though, is usually not the case. And Andoni Iraola has discovered that to his cost with both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo having their national team duty cut short due to injury.
While Gakpo is the greater concern, there is a chance both forwards could be unavailable when Liverpool resume their campaign with the Premier League visit of what the competition have determined are sham deal pursuers Manchester City on Sunday.
READ MORE: Man City can give Liverpool and Dominik Szoboszlai ideal opportunity for fresh start
So, who should start as the central striker for Liverpool in such an eventuality? Our ECHO writers take a look...
Paul Gorst
The prospect of Florian Wirtz as an archetypal 'false 9' is something that could yield big results for Andoni Iraola against Manchester City.
During his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz was known for his pressing ability and his habit of winning the ball back high up the pitch.
And while there is an argument to be made that he actually roves around too much from his designated No.10 role under Iraola, few players cover as much ground as he does game to game.
So Wirtz could be the ideal disruptor if the Reds boss is looking for someone to stop City building from the back and his presence in the forward line allows the team to play a more solid midfield three in Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
Wirtz may find that the spaces open up more than they previously have so far this term given Liverpool will go toe-to-toe with the unbeaten league leaders who will be more focused on what they can do in possession than most who arrive at Anfield.
But the idea of the Germany international being a nuisance with his pressing skills is one that could make the difference on the day.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Florian
Wirtz of Liverpool FC during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on August 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz has the faith of new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Ian Doyle
Andoni Iraola raised a few eyebrows earlier in the season when he declared Cody Gakpo would be a viable alternative to Alexander Isak down the centre of the attack. Memories were fresh of how below average the Dutchman performed there towards the end of last season.
Of course, Gakpo this campaign is a very different beast and will be a more dangerous proposition when eventually asked to step in.
That is unlikely to happen against City, though. And with Federico Chiesa still yet to play this season, Jayden Danns not match sharp and Will Wright not ready for first-team exposure, Iraola has only two real options should Isak and Gakpo fail to make it on Sunday.
The first is starting with Lewis Koumas up front. The Welshman has been gaining minutes for club and country this season and showed against Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup he can cause problems for Premier League defences with his relentless running and pressing.
That, however, should come from the bench later on. The better option would perhaps be to push Florian Wirtz forward as a false nine with Dominik Szoboszlai moving in behind. That would allow either Trey Nyoni or more likely Ryan Gravenberch to slot in alongside Alexis Mac Allister at the base of the midfield.
While not having the biggest squad at his disposal, Iraola has to make the most of areas where he has real strength in depth.
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