Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola says he "trusts" one Liverpool star to fill in for Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, who have both been ruled out of this weekend's game vs Man City
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool press conference.
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool press conference.(Image: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola says Lewis Koumas has the trust of the Liverpool coaching staff, with the Wales international the only number nine currently available for selection heading into Sunday's visit of Manchester City.
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are both set to miss out this weekend after sustaining injuries during the international break, with Liverpool therefore needing others to step up.
Koumas, who has been impressive when used by Iraola so far, could be one option. The Liverpool boss also spoke about the potential for one of his wingers to move inside and operate as a striker as a makeshift solution.
"(Koumas) has our trust," Iraola said during his pre-match press conference. "I like the player, and he has already shown he is ready to go.
"We have other players who can cover those positions, and we now need to make that decision. We haven’t had a lot of time.
"We have three days of training before the game to prepare, but it is the same for every team.
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool
Bradley Barcola joined Liverpool this summer(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
"We don’t have Hugo Ekitike who is a very good striker and I am looking forward to have him available.
"Fede (Chiesa) is recovering and has been training in the international break but he hasn’t played minutes.
"We have some wingers who have played up front in other teams and we will put out an XI with the level to compete. Bradley (Barcola) can play in all three positions up front and he is a super valuable player for us."
So far, Barcola has been unable to score or assist for Liverpool since arriving for big money in the summer. However, Iraola says that cannot be the only way that he is assessed.
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"I don't think he is in a bad moment," Iraola added. "With wingers, if they don't score, they haven't played well (is what people think), but we have to see the game as a whole.
"He has been with the national team. I want him to be there [scoring the chances]. He has played as a left winger and also as a striker, so he can cover three positions up front."
Liverpool.com says: Starting Koumas seems unlikely, but it is an option. More likely, it will mean someone like Barcola moving inside, with Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz as other options out wide. Florian Wirtz could also operate as a number 10.