The Premier League returns with a blockbuster fixture on Sunday. Liverpool against Manchester City, especially at Anfield, always produces fireworks, taking placed amidst the current backdrop of the Sky Blues having been found "guilty of all charges" by an independent Commission.
Pretty much every football fan on the planet, whether they tend to love or loath Liverpool, are desperate for the Reds to demolished Enzo Maresca and his team. However, the Reds' chances of doing just that may have suffered an enormous set back.
Both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo returned to Merseyside early, having picked up injuries on international duty. Well, during his pre-match press conference on Friday lunchtime, Andoni Iraola was quick to shut down any optimism that either would feature on Sunday:
"Yes, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo won't play, not ready unfortunately for us. Injuries in the break. You always hope the doctor doesn't call you but we have been unlucky. They are not going to be involved... they are not ready for Sunday."Andoni Iraola on injuries
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Cody Gapko and Alexander Isak will not be available for Sunday's game against Man City. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/r0mq0dwwC4
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 9, 2026
Isak scored during Sweden's first match of the international break, a 2-1 victory over Romania in Stockholm, actually completing the 90 minutes at the Nationalarenan. However, he did not play again for Graham Potter's team, flying back to England having sustained an injury.
Iraola confirmed has a "thigh injury", adding that it does not look like a long-term issue, and that the forward will return "whenever he feels ready".
Gakpo, meantime, could be sidelined for a bit longer. He was on the receiving end of a very heavy challenge by Ipswich Town midfielder Saša Lukić, during the Netherlands' 2-1 victory over Serbia at Stadion Rajko Mitić almost a fortnight ago.
This forced the 27 year old to be withdrawn five minutes later, a mere 17 minutes into the clash in Belgrade, before also flying back to John Lennon Airport. Iraola labelled Lukić's foul as a "bad tackle", confirming that Gakpo "has an ankle injury" and that it is "a matter of him dealing with the pain".
The Liverpool head coach refused to give a timeframe on either player's fitness, stating that they will take it day by day. Thus, it remains to be seen if either will travel to Linz for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Austrian champions LASK at Raiffeisen Arena; that seems unlikely. What we do know for certain, they'll both be watching from the sidelines on Sunday.
Likely with a front three comprised of Víctor Muñoz, Rio Ngumoha, Bradley Barcola or Lewis Koumas, although Iraola was giving nothing away, will the Reds have enough to topple the league-leaders?
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