Liverpool sweat on Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo fitness
Alexander Isak
Cody GakpoLiverpool have been hit by a double injury blow ahead of a gruelling October schedule, with key forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo returning early from international duty.
The Swedish striker has pulled out of his national squad with a minor thigh issue, while his Dutch teammate suffered an ankle injury.
With nine matches crammed into a 29-day period after the break, manager Andoni Iraola faces an anxious wait to see if his star attackers will recover in time.
Potter laments striker absence
Sweden manager Graham Potter expressed his disappointment at losing the prolific forward for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Speaking to reporters before Sweden defeated Poland 3-1 on Monday, Potter said:
“Clearly there’s not another Alexander Isak, that’s obvious.”
The Sweden boss accepted that his side would simply have to adapt without their talismanic attacker.
Discussing the selection dilemma, Potter told reporters:
“In an ideal world, we want all our players available, but the reality is we don’t have Alex for this game,”
A remarkable turnaround at Anfield
Isak has enjoyed a sensational start to the current campaign, scoring five goals in eight matches for club and country.
It represents a massive turnaround for the 27-year-old, who endured a difficult debut season on Merseyside following his record-breaking £125 million transfer from Newcastle United in the summer of 2025.
Plagued by poor form and a leg fracture, the forward started only eight league matches last term and scored just three times.
This season has been entirely different, with Isak starting all five Premier League matches and already netting four times.
He even scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over AFC Bournemouth on September 20, celebrating wildly with the travelling supporters at the Vitality Stadium.
The striker’s growing influence is clear, having already registered 120 touches in just five league games this term, compared to 179 touches across 14 appearances last season.
His rapport with the Anfield faithful has grown rapidly, with the chant of “Isak’s a Red, Olé, Olé” now echoing regularly from the stands.
Speaking after Isak scored twice against Ipswich Town earlier this month, Iraola said:
“With Alex, if he’s fit, if he’s available, if he’s in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers,”
Gakpo adds to Iraola’s worries
The anxiety on Merseyside has intensified with news that Gakpo has also sustained an injury while playing for the Netherlands.
Having scored a late equaliser against Jürgen Klopp’s Germany last week, Gakpo was forced off during Sunday’s clash with Serbia.
The Dutch forward left the pitch following a heavy tackle from Serbian midfielder Sasa Lukic, with early reports suggesting an ankle problem.
Iraola, who took over from Arne Slot this summer, now faces a major selection headache ahead of a massive clash.
Liverpool are scheduled to host Manchester City on October 11, kicking off a relentless run of fixtures where they will need every squad member available.
