Liverpool boss Iraola fears Isak and Gakpo will miss Man City clash
Andoni Iraola
Alexander Isak
Cody GakpoLiverpool manager Andoni Iraola has revealed that key forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are major doubts for Sunday’s massive encounter with Manchester City at Anfield.
The attacking duo both returned early from international duty, leaving the Reds short of options upfront for what is the biggest match of their manager’s tenure so far. The news was first reported by beIN SPORTS, who spoke directly to the Spanish coach about his squad’s fitness struggles.
Sweden striker Isak withdrew from his national squad with a thigh problem, which Sweden manager Graham Potter described as minor. Meanwhile, Gakpo picked up an ankle injury during the Netherlands’ win in Serbia, with Dutch media suggesting the winger could face several weeks on the sidelines.
Anfield boss faces attacking crisis
With Hugo Ekitike still recovering from a long-term Achilles problem and Federico Chiesa yet to make an appearance this term, Iraola is facing a selection headache. Youngster Lewis Koumas could be the only fully fit senior striker available to face the reigning champions.
Speaking to beIN SPORTS, Iraola confirmed the grim news regarding his key attacking pair:
“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.”
The Liverpool manager did not offer any updates on central defender Jérémy Jacquet, who missed France’s recent match against Belgium due to a hamstring strain.
A daunting test against the leaders
The timing of these injuries could hardly be worse for Liverpool, who sit sixth in the Premier League table. They remain unbeaten under Iraola, having won four and drawn three of their opening seven fixtures, but face a City side that has won all five of their league games.
Enzo Maresca’s league leaders will arrive on Merseyside under a cloud, however, following the news that an independent commission has found them guilty of breaching the league’s financial regulations.
Despite City’s off-field troubles, Iraola knows his players must raise their level if they are to halt the visitors’ perfect start to the campaign.
Addressing the challenge of facing the league leaders, Iraola told beIN SPORTS:
“We’ve been unbeaten but they’ve won all of them, so it makes a big difference in their side.”
He went on to emphasise the defensive discipline required to stop City’s potent attack, adding:
“I think we need to be very, very good if we want to beat City because they’ve been especially offensively scoring a lot of goals lately.”
Finding the right tactical balance
The international break has given Iraola time to reflect on his start to life at Anfield. While the Reds have shown clear defensive progress, they have struggled to replicate the attacking fluidity they showed earlier in the season.
The former Bournemouth boss is determined to find a middle ground between defensive solidity and offensive threat as he continues to implement his high-intensity style.
The manager pointed to the 2-2 draw against Newcastle as a prime example of where his team must improve, noting that they conceded twice in transition despite playing well overall.
He believes the break has offered a rare chance to step back from a hectic schedule and thoroughly analyse his team’s performance over their opening matches.
Rather than setting specific points targets or league positions, the Spanish tactician is focused on unlocking the full potential of his squad.
Discussing his tactical blueprint, Iraola told beIN SPORTS that he wants his side to play with greater intensity and verticality while maintaining overall control.
Despite the current injury setbacks, the Spanish manager remains highly optimistic about what this Liverpool squad can achieve in the long run. He believes that with the right foundation, his players can challenge for the game’s biggest honours.
Reflecting on his long-term ambitions at Anfield, Iraola told beIN SPORTS:
“I don’t know where this will put us but I’m sure that if we can give these players a good platform, a good structure, we will be there fighting for the titles, yes.”
