Alexander Isak’s availability for Liverpool’s blockbuster Premier League meeting with Manchester City has been thrown into doubt after the forward was ruled out of the weekend clash alongside Cody Gakpo. The timing could hardly be worse for the Reds, who are heading into one of the season’s biggest fixtures with key attacking options suddenly unavailable.
Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed the setback in his pre-match briefing, revealing that both players picked up injuries during the international break. The news is especially damaging because Liverpool had been hoping to use the match as a statement night in the title race, but now face the prospect of going into it short of firepower.
Major blow for Liverpool’s attacking plans
Iraola did not leave much room for optimism when asked about the fitness of his forwards. “Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo will not play the game,” he said. “They are not ready.”
The Liverpool boss added that both players were injured away on international duty, making the situation all the more frustrating for the club. “As a club manager, you are always waiting until the games end, that the doctor doesn’t call you and then gives you bad news,” Iraola explained. “But in this case we’ve been unlucky with Alex and Cody – both of them are injured and they are not going to be involved on Sunday.”
What the injuries mean
According to Iraola, Gakpo has suffered an ankle problem, while Isak is dealing with a thigh knock. Both are expected to be assessed day by day, but neither has recovered in time for the Manchester City game.
That leaves Liverpool’s attack looking stretched at exactly the wrong moment. Hugo Ekitike is also unavailable because of a long-term issue, which means Iraola may need to reshuffle his front line and lean on less familiar options.
One possible solution is Bradley Barcola, while Jason Koumas could also be asked to fill a central role. Neither is a like-for-like replacement for Isak, whose movement and finishing have been central to Liverpool’s attacking rhythm.
Why Isak’s absence matters so much
Isak’s injury record has become an ongoing concern since his move to English football, with the striker now having suffered more than a dozen fitness issues in the competition. Even when available, he has often had to manage his workload carefully, and Liverpool will be wary of pushing him too quickly back into action.
The forward’s importance is clear. When fit, he brings pace, sharp link-up play and a reliable scoring threat. In a game against Manchester City, that kind of edge can decide whether Liverpool are able to pin the champions back or spend long periods under pressure.
“You always want your best players available for these games,” Iraola said, summing up the mood around the camp. “But sometimes the international break leaves you with bad news.”
Encouragement from the defence and midfield
While the attacking picture has darkened, there is at least some positive news elsewhere in the squad. Jeremy Jacquet is fit and available after making his first senior appearances for France during the break. Iraola described the defender as ready to go, adding that his absence from the national team’s final match was likely precautionary.
Federico Chiesa, meanwhile, is back in training, offering Liverpool another possible option as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures. That return may not fully offset the loss of Isak and Gakpo, but it gives the manager at least one fresh face to consider.
City showdown arrives at a difficult moment
The Premier League resumes this weekend, and Liverpool’s meeting with Manchester City is one of the headline fixtures of the round. Beyond the usual tension of a top-level clash, the game now carries added intrigue because of the broader context surrounding City and the title race that has shaped recent seasons.
For Liverpool, though, the focus is more immediate: who can lead the line, who can stretch the defence, and who can provide a decisive moment in a match that already feels loaded with consequence. Losing Isak and Gakpo at once makes the challenge far greater.
What was expected to be a tactical test has now become a test of squad depth, adaptability and resilience. If Liverpool can still find a way through without two of their key forwards, it would send a strong message about their depth. If not, the absence of their attacking stars could loom large over the final result.
Sunday’s clash at Manchester City now carries an added edge. Liverpool may arrive short-handed, but the stakes remain unchanged: a huge Premier League night, and potentially a pivotal moment in the season.
