If Liverpool are going to beat Manchester City on Sunday, they are going to have to do it the hard way. Speaking during his pre-match press conference at AXA Training Centre on Friday lunchtime, head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed that neither Alexander Isak nor Cody Gakpo will be available to feature.
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
The pair both picked up injuries on international duty, that Iraola described as not long term, which is only really scant consolation, given the magnitude of the fixture that awaits. Thus, later on during the news conference, the manager was asked what his plans are for the Reds' attack, in the absence of two such important players, having this to say:
"A number nine, it's true that probably we only have Koumas right now, but we have some other options. Wingers who have played up front for teams... maybe we will recover Federico Chiesa, but hasn't played any minutes. "Andoni Iraola
Soon after, when asked about the criticism Bradley Barcola has received in the French media, Iraola was quick to defend his new £123 million summer signing:
"I don't think he is in a bad moment... with forwards, if they don't score, they haven't played well... but we have to see the game as whole... He has played as a left winger and also as a striker, so he can cover three positions up front. "Andoni Iraola on Bradley Barcola
Looking specifically at that last bit of the quote, did Iraola let slip that he plans to deploy Barcola at centre-forward? Only time will tell. The key question though remains; without Gakpo and Isak, what will Liverpool's front three look like?
Well, as already mentioned, the most natural centre-forward option appears to be Lewis Koumas. The 21 year old started three of Wales' four UEFA Nations League matches in that position and, when asked about him, Iraola stated that he "has our trust... the player has shown he is ready to go".
Assuming Federico Chiesa is not fit to start, usually a safe assumption, there will be four players vying for three spots. Barcola is a nailed on starter, one way or another, with Koumas, Víctor Muñoz and Rio Ngumoha the choices.
The most experienced trio would not feature Koumas, but he is the only natural central striker, which makes Iraola's decision tough. Both Muñoz and Ngumoha featured sporadically for Spain and England respectively, so should be fresh and raring to go.
Of course, Iraola and Kopites alike would prefer to have Gakpo and Isak on the pitch come Sunday afternoon, but who will step forward and be a hero in their absence? Let's hope it is someone in red.
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