via Reuters
Liverpool could be without a recognised striker when they host Manchester City on Sunday, in what is sure to be an electric atmosphere at Anfield.
City were found guilty of all the 115 charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules during the international break, as we await to see their punishment.
The Liverpool fans are sure to give Enzo Maresca and his side a warm welcome to Merseyside this weekend, as Andoni Iraola looks to maintain his unbeaten start in all competitions.
You never know how Man City's players will react to this situation, but it is certain to be in their minds and uncharacteristic mistakes from Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly in England's defeat to Spain could be a sign of what's to come.
The Reds have issues of their own though, and they could potentially be missing three players who picked up injury problems during the international break.
Cody Gakpo withdrew from Netherlands duty after suffering an ankle injury, while Jeremy Jacquet was absent from the France squad against Belgium on Monday after suffering a hamstring strain.
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Liverpool's Injuries Ahead of Man City
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Ekitike
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Gakpo
Meanwhile, Alexander Isak also withdrew from the Sweden squad after picking up a knock, with Iraola sweating on the fitness of the trio ahead of the visit of City.
Being without Isak in particular would be a blow, given Hugo Ekitike remains on the sidelines after rupturing his ACL against former side Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the season.
Iraola will need to have a Plan B in terms of the centre-forward position, with Lewis Koumas one option, while he could look at using Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz or even Florian Wirtz as makeshift strikers or false 9s too.
Liverpool Targeting Paris Brunner Move
via Reuters
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool scouts have been regular attendees at Monaco matches this season, to watch striker Paris Brunner in action.
He may only be 20 years of age, but the attacker is already making a big impact for the Ligue 1 giants, on and off the pitch.
The same outlet also claims that Liverpool representatives have held meetings with the father of Brunner in the summer, after the German striker scored against the Reds in pre-season.
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Paris Brunner This Season (Monaco + Germany U21s)
Monaco apps
Goals
Germany U21 apps
Goals
Brunner is in outstanding form for club and country this season, and he has already doubled Isak's total of four so far this term.
The youngster has been described by some as the 'German Ekitike' and it isn't hard to see why, given his physical profile (he stands at 6ft 1in), his blend of technical skill and his positional intelligence.
Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp has spoken about the 20-year-old and suggested he could soon consider him for a senior Germany call-up, speaking ahead of the latest international break.
I haven’t spoken to him. But I’m aware of everything. He’s been a huge talent for years. Maybe he’ll be with the U21s.
His style also draws strong comparisons with another former Liverpool striker in Anelka but just like with the Frenchman, there are some controversies surrounding him too.
Brunner has just been banned for four matches, although two of those are suspended, for doing a cut-throat celebration in front of the Strasbourg fans after scoring against them.
During his time at Dortmund previously, he was suspended indefinitely for being present at a party where criminal damage was allegedly caused, while he was also punished on more than one occasion for being late to training.
Those incidents should act as a red flag for Liverpool if they want the right types of character at Anfield, but if they believe that they can shape him to be a better professional, it is clear that he could have a huge future in the game as a naturally prolific goalscorer.
Alex Scott
Alex Scott