Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday in a Premier League clash that will be short of several key players
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak is still sidelined
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The Premier League showdown between Liverpool and Manchester City is set to carry extra edge as top-flight football resumes following the international break. The Reds welcome City to Anfield on Sunday (4.30pm kick-off).
The fixture marks the first occasion both sides have taken to the pitch since news broke of the guilty verdict handed to City over 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules. City are appealing the ruling, but Liverpool supporters are widely expected to make their views on the matter abundantly clear.
Away from off-field controversy, both clubs are keen to build on victories secured before the international break three weeks ago. Liverpool edged past Bournemouth 1-0, while City maintained their 100 per cent winning record with a 5-3 triumph over Sunderland.
The break and players returning from international duties have brought injury concerns for both camps.
With that in mind, here's the very latest from both treatment rooms.
Liverpool
Iraola has confirmed that striker Alexander Isak will be absent from the match with a thigh injury sustained while on international duty. He is not anticipating the Sweden international to remain sidelined for an extended period.
He will be joined on the treatment table by Cody Gakpo, who also picked up a problem while representing the Netherlands. "Gakpo has an ankle injury, a matter of him dealing with the pain," Iraola said.
The pair will join longer-term absentees Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni on the treatment table.
Ekitike continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury, while Bradley and Leoni are both working their way back from Anterior Cruciate Ligament ruptures.
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Another player yet to feature this season is winger Federico Chiesa. Signs point towards a potential return in the near future, though the clash against City may come too soon.
On a more positive note for the Reds, Iraola has dismissed any concerns over defender Jeremy Jacquet's fitness. "I am happy for him personally, debut with France, that is always tough," he said.
"He played well, he should be happy but has a long way to go. He is fit and ready to go. He will be fine. We need to train tomorrow."
Man City
City, meanwhile, appear to be in considerably better shape injury-wise, with only one confirmed absentee for the fixture. However, a degree of uncertainty surrounds another member of their squad.
Full-back Nico O'Reilly suffered an injury during England's Nations League defeat against Spain at the start of the international break, eventually returning to City for further assessment.
Phil Foden is certain to miss the trip to Anfield, serving the third game of a three-match ban following his red card in the Manchester derby last month. The midfielder was dismissed after lashing out towards Bruno Fernandes.
Phil Foden
Phil Foden is still serving suspension
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One player Enzo Maresca has confirmed will be fit to feature is striker Erling Haaland. Concerns had been raised over the Norwegian after he appeared to request substitution during the second half of Norway's defeat against Portugal earlier this week.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Maresca said: "He's good. He went to Marbella, two, three days off, played golf, recovery, and ready for Anfield. He's good. Thank you."
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