Liverpool faces a problem up front against Manchester City with both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo doubts for the game, which could present Lewis Koumas with an opportunity
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 08: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Lewis Koumas of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on October 08, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Lewis Koumas could be set for a chance to start for Liverpool against Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool has been told Lewis Koumas is ready to start as the club faces a selection headache against Manchester City this weekend.
The Reds are the first side to host City after the Etihad club was found guilty of the majority of charges handed down to it by the Premier League, which is certain to add some spice to the fixture. Ahead of the game though, Andoni Iraola has a problem up front.
Both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are major doubts after both returning early from the international break with injuries, while neither were seen in the first training session back on Thursday.
The duo have been in excellent form this season, having been involved in eight of Liverpool’s 12 goals so far, and with Hugo Ekitike not expected to return until December at the earliest, Isak and Gakpo are the Reds’ main options to start in the No.9 role.
With options limited, Iraola could turn to Koumas this weekend, having already started him up front against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup last month, and former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey feels the 21-year-old is ready for his shot against City.
“If they're [Isak and Gakpo] not fit, it's a tough one,” Heskey told 10bet. “The lad Lewis Koumas has done really well. He looks like a good prospect.
Lewis Koumas starred against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup last month
Lewis Koumas starred against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup last month(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“I like him. I like him, and he gives you something different because he's going to give you that work rate that no one else gives.
“As a defender, one thing you don't like is someone who's just going to harass you all the time, and he's that young, hungry, energetic player that sometimes you need to just throw into the mix. He's done well when he's come on, so yeah, I wouldn't be against giving him his chance.”
Heskey isn’t the only one who thinks Koumas is ready for a start, with former Arsenal striker Alan Smith also convinced that the academy graduate should get his chance.
Smith was on commentary duty for Sky Sports when Koumas started against Tottenham last month, and was so impressed by the youngster’s performance that he handed him the player of the match award.
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Discussing Liverpool’s options to replace Isak and Gakpo with Liverpool.com last month (via BestBettingSites), Smith said: "I mean, it'd be a challenge, because they've both been in good form, really good form, obviously Isak scoring and Gakpo as well and creating.
"They've both really been at it. I mean, there's one or two choices. I did the Carabao game against Spurs when Lewis Koumas played; I gave him man of the match, and he gave the team real energy up front with his pressing and that. So he might deserve a chance.
"Why not? If you can play like that against Spurs, give him a chance in the Premier League.”