Alexander Isak and Gakpo miss Liverpool training as academy starlet emerges as a genuine option for Man City

Liverpool fans holding out hope for a fully fit attack against Manchester City received a bitter reality check on Thursday afternoon.

As the three-week international break came to an end, head coach Andoni Iraola gathered his squad back at the AXA Training Centre to prepare for Sunday's massive match at Anfield.

But as the players stepped out onto the grass, two of Liverpool's biggest attacking stars were nowhere to be seen.

Both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo missed group training entirely, leaving Iraola facing a serious selection dilemma just three days before hosting Enzo Maresca’s league leaders.

The attack hit hard: Isak and Gakpo sidelined

The timing could not be worse for the Reds. Isak has hit the ground running at Anfield this season, leading the line with for goals in his first five Premier League appearances. However, he picked up a thigh problem while playing for Sweden against Romania on September 25.

Sweden manager Graham Potter tried to stay positive at the time, but the issue has persisted.

"He’s got a small problem with his thigh," Potter said. "It’s not a big one but because of the amount of games we’ve got in a small space of time, he won’t be able to make those.

"It was during the game. Like anything, you sometimes get bumps and bruises in the game—you might think it’s a bit of a dead leg or something. But actually as the 24 hours, 48 hours after the game unfold, it’s not quite what you think."

Gakpo’s setback is equally damaging. The Dutch international has been Liverpool's most reliable creative engine so far this campaign, delivering two goals and four assists in six games across all competitions (including one goal and three assists in five Premier League outings).

He was forced off after taking a nasty challenge from Serbia midfielder Saša Lukić while on Netherlands duty.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Iraola did little to ease fans' fears.

"I think Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo both have had to leave the national teams with injuries," Iraola admitted. "Now it's a matter of if they are going to recover in time to help us in the next game or not. But right now they are both injured."

Defensive boost: Jacquet returns as Araujo and Mac Allister report back

It wasn't all bad news at Kirkby on Thursday. Young French defender Jérémy Jacquet who gave Liverpool an injury scare when a hamstring strain forced him to miss France's final international match was back out on the pitch and fully involved in both gym and tactical sessions.

Jacquet's quick recovery is a huge relief for Iraola. It means the defender can resume his strong central partnership alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, allowing Ronald Araújo to stay at right-back after returning from a long international trip with Uruguay.

Alexis Mac Allister was also back in full training despite being the last player to return, having featured in Lionel Messi's farewell appearance for Argentina in the early hours of Wednesday morning UK time.

With Federico Chiesa also returning to full training during the break, Iraola does have options. Lewis Koumas could also be an intriguing option for the Reds.

The Wales international has already shown that he can operate as a centre-forward for Andoni Iraola, most notably in Liverpool's Carabao Cup third-round clash with Tottenham. Koumas started through the middle and produced an energetic performance as Liverpool secured a 3-1 victory over Spurs,

That performance demonstrated that Koumas is more than capable of filling in as a No.9 when required. His work rate could also make him an interesting option against Manchester City, particularly if Iraola wants an attacking player who can press from the front and contribute defensively without the ball.

The 21-year-old has also had opportunities to make an impact in the Premier League this season. He has made several appearances from the bench, including cameos against Newcastle United, Ipswich Town and Bournemouth, giving him valuable experience.

He was involved throughout the latest Wales international period, featuring against Portugal, Denmark, Norway and Denmark again. He started three of those Nations League matches, including the most recent 1-0 defeat to Denmark on October 4, meaning he returns to Liverpool having gained further experience at senior international level.

His versatility gives Liverpool another option. He can play centrally or from wider positions, and his willingness to press and run could be useful if the game requires a different type of attacking threat.

What It means for Sunday

The timing of this injury crisis could hardly be worse. Manchester City arrive at Anfield sitting top of the Premier League table, having maintained a flawless 100% record with five wins from their opening five fixtures under Enzo Maresca.

While City themselves arrive against a backdrop of off-field noise following their recent financial guilty verdict, on the pitch Maresca's side have looked ruthless and organised.

Should both Isak and Gakpo fail to pass late fitness tests Iraola will be forced to shuffle his pack.

Iraola will face the media at 1:30pm on Friday afternoon for his pre-match press conference, where he is expected to provide the definitive final verdict on whether Isak or Gakpo can play any part in Sunday's blockbuster.

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