Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Liverpool boss expressed frustration over the timing of the setbacks. "Alex Isak and Gakpo won't play, not ready unfortunately for us," Iraola told reporters. "Injuries in the break. You always hope the doctor doesn't call you but we have been unlucky."
Detailing the specific nature of the issues, the Spaniard added: "They are not going to be involved. Timeframe - Gakpo has an ankle injury, a matter of him dealing with the pain. A bad tackle I think. He is working but not for Sunday. Isak has a thigh injury, whenever he feels ready they don't look like long term injuries. But they are not ready for Sunday."
Despite the absences, Iraola threw his support behind 21-year-old Wales international Lewis Koumas to fill the void, having already utilised the youngster five times this season. "Koumas has our trust, you know," he explained. "No big surprise. The player has shown he is ready to go. We have other players who can cover the positions, so we take decision."