Liverpool injury worries for Isak and Gakpo ahead of Man City clash

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are injured after picking up problems during the international break, casting doubt on their availability for Sunday's Premier League match against Manchester City.

Cody Gakpo, joueur de football

Photo: Steindy ( ) 23:01, 30 March 2017 (UTC) — CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (new window)

Liverpool are facing a selection headache ahead of Sunday's Premier League showdown with Manchester City at Anfield, with manager Andoni Iraola revealing that both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are currently injured.

According to The Independent, Iraola said the duo picked up their problems during the international break. The news has been widely reported, with TEAMtalk suggesting Liverpool could be without anything resembling a striker for the visit of Manchester City, while Sports Mole describes it as a double injury blow.

Double blow confirmed

Iraola's admission, reported by The Independent, confirms the worst fears of Liverpool fans. Both players are key to the team's attacking options, and their absence would leave the Reds short of firepower against the league leaders.

TEAMtalk goes further, suggesting the expected absences could force a new-look starting XI, with the international break once again proving costly for the club. The Evening Standard adds that Liverpool have been hit by a "huge triple scare" before the high-profile return, though the third concern is not specified in the available reports.

Man City test looms

Sunday's match at Anfield is a highly anticipated Premier League encounter, as noted by Sports Mole. The fitness of Isak and Gakpo will be crucial to Liverpool's chances, but with both players injured, Iraola may have to improvise his attack.

ESPN also lists Isak and Gakpo as doubts for the clash, though no further details are provided. The club has not yet issued an official update on the severity of the injuries or the expected recovery times.

Sources

  1. The IndependentAndoni Iraola sweating over fitness of key Liverpool duo ahead of Man City clash (new window)independent.co.uk
  2. TEAMtalkLiverpool in crisis with expected absences sparking new-look XI v Man City (new window)teamtalk.com
  3. Sports MoleLiverpool injury news: Andoni Iraola suffers double blow ahead of Man City showdown (new window)sportsmole.co.uk
  4. Evening StandardLiverpool: Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo injury update revealed before Man City clash (new window)standard.co.uk
  5. ESPNIsak, Gakpo in doubt for Liverpool-City clash (new window)espn.com