Liverpool without Isak and Gakpo against Manchester City: Iraola confirms double absence ahead of Anfield showdown
Liverpool will host Manchester City on Sunday, October 11, 2026, without two important forwards, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo. Head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed at a press conference on October 9 that neither player would recover in time for the sixth round of the English Premier League. Isak has a thigh injury, while Gakpo has an ankle injury, with both players sustaining their problems during international duty. On Thursday, both were still considered doubtful after missing training. The match at Anfield kicks off at 4:30 p.m. British Summer Time, and Liverpool will enter it with significantly fewer conventional attacking options available.
The situation is further complicated by the long-term absence of French striker Hugo Ekitike, who is recovering from a serious Achilles tendon injury. Ahead of the meeting with the league leaders, Iraola must therefore not only choose replacements for two regular players but also reconsider how Liverpool will create chances. According to the club's official announcement, the Spanish coach does not expect Isak's and Gakpo's injuries to be long-term, but no specific return dates have been established. The short-term assessment is therefore clear: both will miss Manchester City, while their fitness for subsequent matches will be monitored day by day. The showdown thus also becomes a test of Liverpool's squad depth.
Iraola removes doubts following the international break
The first signs of trouble emerged after the September international matches, when Isak and Gakpo ended their involvement with their national teams earlier than planned. Ahead of the return to club duties, Liverpool had hoped that at least one of them would be fit for Sunday's encounter. Their absence from team training further increased the uncertainty, but by October 9 the decision had become unequivocal. At the press conference, Iraola stated that Isak and Gakpo would not play because they were not fit and added that their injuries were an unfortunate outcome of the international break. The club also published confirmation.
Isak injured his thigh while on international duty with Sweden, while Gakpo suffered his ankle problem playing for the Netherlands. Gakpo injured his ankle in an international match against Serbia on September 27, according to Sports Mole. According to a report by Britain's Independent, the Swedish striker was injured during the match against Romania, while the Dutchman also had to leave his national team early. Iraola has not yet announced who will replace them or confirmed the starting lineup. Instead, he emphasized that he has players capable of covering several attacking positions and that he will select a team capable of competing on equal terms with the visitors.
Thigh injury for Isak, painful ankle for Gakpo
According to Liverpool's official fitness update dated October 9, Isak's injury is muscular in nature, although Iraola described it as minor. That does not mean the striker is ready to withstand the demands of a competitive match, especially after a break and without regular training alongside the rest of the squad. The coach explained that his status would be assessed daily rather than according to a predetermined return schedule. Liverpool must therefore plan for Sunday without the player who has so far been their main option at the forefront of the attack.
Gakpo's situation differs in terms of the type of injury and the recovery process. Iraola explained that the Dutch international injured his ankle following a heavy challenge and that he is already carrying out certain activities individually. However, pain and readiness for the full intensity of competitive football remain obstacles to his return. It would therefore be premature to speak of weeks on the sidelines or confirm a date for his comeback: for now, the only official certainty is that he will not play against Manchester City.
Ekitike's recovery further narrows the options at centre-forward
The double absence would not be equally challenging if Liverpool could turn to all their other forwards. However, Hugo Ekitike remains unavailable after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in April 2026. According to the club's injury list, the French striker is still undergoing long-term rehabilitation, although he has been included in the squad list for the Champions League league phase. Back in September, Iraola explained that there was hope he might be able to contribute in the final matches of the European league phase, but at the same time warned that his recovery was still far from complete. He cannot count on him for Sunday's showdown.
Without Isak and Ekitike, Liverpool lose their two most direct options for the central striker role. Gakpo's absence adds further significance because the Dutchman, although frequently deployed on the wing, can also take on a central role. Liverpool are therefore losing not only goalscorers but also the tactical flexibility provided by the ability to move players between several positions. The coach will have to decide whether he wants to retain the familiar attacking structure with a traditional number nine or compensate for the shortage of available forwards through a different formation. The decision will also influence the movement of midfielders and wingers.
Lewis Koumas gets an opportunity for his biggest test
Iraola identified Lewis Koumas as the only currently available specialist centre-forward. The 21-year-old Liverpool academy graduate has already been given opportunities at the beginning of the season, but an appearance against Manchester City would represent a particularly demanding assignment. The Independent reports that Koumas has not yet started a Premier League match, which clearly illustrates how significant a step forward his inclusion in the starting eleven would be. Koumas has already shown that he can contribute within Iraola's system, particularly in his off-the-ball responsibilities. This season, he has also made his first appearances in the Premier League and Champions League.
The best example of his abilities came on September 15 in the League Cup, when Liverpool defeated Tottenham 3-1 at Anfield. Koumas led the attack, and the club's supporters voted him player of the match. Ahead of the City encounter, Iraola reiterated that Koumas has his confidence and has already demonstrated his readiness for important minutes. Whether that support will translate into a place in the starting lineup, however, will only become clear once the team is officially announced.
Barcola's versatility opens up another possibility
Another solution could involve moving one of the wingers into a central position. In this context, Iraola specifically mentioned Bradley Barcola, the French player who joined Liverpool during the summer. In an official club interview, the coach stressed that Barcola can operate in all three positions across the attacking line: on the left, on the right and through the middle. Although he has most frequently played on the left wing, he has previously also operated as a central striker. That adaptability now works in his favour.
Iraola also rejected the simplistic assessment that wingers are playing poorly whenever they fail to score or provide an assist. He pointed out that Barcola is getting into goalscoring positions and that his ability to create dangerous situations matters to him, not merely his current goalscoring output. According to Liverpool's statistical match preview, the Frenchman has experience of performing successfully against Manchester City: he scored and provided an assist for Paris Saint-Germain in a 4-2 Champions League victory in January 2025. If he is moved into the middle, Iraola will simultaneously have to find balance in the wide positions.
Chiesa returns to training, Jacquet ready for defence
Among the few encouraging developments for Liverpool is Federico Chiesa's return to training. The Italian forward was injured during pre-season preparations and has not yet played any competitive minutes this season, meaning his status cannot be equated with full fitness for a demanding encounter. On October 9, Iraola said there was a possibility of his return to the squad because he had worked well with a smaller group of players during the international break. For the coach, this represents an additional option, but not an entirely certain replacement for the two injured forwards. An agreement with the medical staff regarding his potential workload will therefore also be important.
On the other hand, the condition of defender Jeremy Jacquet provides greater certainty. The French international experienced problems during the break that prevented him from playing in his national team's final match, but Iraola confirmed that he is ready to face Manchester City. According to the club's announcement, his omission from that international match was a precautionary measure. Long-term injury absentees Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni also remain on the club's official list of unavailable players, while the club currently reports no suspended players.
Isak's four goals and Gakpo's contribution explain the scale of the loss
Alexander Isak's absence is particularly significant because of his performances since the beginning of the league season. According to Opta data published by Liverpool, the Swedish striker scored four goals in the first five league matches, placing him second in the Premier League scoring charts behind City's Erling Haaland, who had five. Isak was also among the leaders for expected goals, with a figure of 3.5, indicating his regular presence in promising attacking positions. Against a team that opened the season with five league victories, such an absence makes every attacking attempt more difficult.
The partnership between Isak and Gakpo was also evident in Liverpool's most recent league match, against Bournemouth on September 20. According to the official match report, Gakpo advanced down the right flank, beat two opponents and sent the ball into the penalty area, after which Isak scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory. That move illustrates two different but connected qualities: Gakpo's ability to gain ground and Isak's finishing. Liverpool must now replace both at the same time, rather than simply finding a player to physically occupy Isak's position on the pitch. The question is whether the reshuffled lineup can maintain the same quality of final delivery.
Manchester City arrive as unbeaten league leaders with maximum points
Manchester City arrive at Anfield as Premier League leaders, having won all five of their opening matches. According to the visiting club's official match preview, the team managed by Enzo Maresca defeated Sunderland 5-3 in their previous league appearance. Liverpool, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their first five league matches, but with two wins and three draws they trail their table-topping opponents. City have scored 13 goals in five league rounds. A home victory would reduce the gap, while a City success would further strengthen their position at the top of the table.
The balance of power is made even more interesting by recent head-to-head meetings. According to Manchester City's own club preview, they defeated Liverpool in all three competitive meetings last season, including a league victory at Anfield and the FA Cup quarter-final in April 2026, which ended 4-0. Opta data reported by Liverpool also show that City are unbeaten in their last ten away league matches, with six wins and four draws. At the same time, Liverpool have recorded four consecutive league draws at their home stadium. To reverse these trends, Liverpool will need a more effective performance at Anfield.
The battle of pressing and playing out under pressure
The match also presents an intriguing tactical contest between Iraola's approach and City's ability to control possession. According to Opta data published on the club's official website, Liverpool have applied high-intensity pressure to opponents during 48.9 percent of their touches on their own half this season, the highest proportion in the league. Manchester City, meanwhile, have the best passing accuracy under high pressure, at 83 percent. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can win the ball high up the pitch or whether City will successfully play through the pressure. Without Isak and Gakpo, changes to the attacking lineup may therefore be just as important defensively as they are in the final stages of attacking moves.
In an interview with club channels ahead of the match, Iraola acknowledged that his team is still searching for a balance between more direct attacking football and control of matches. He assessed that Liverpool had improved their defensive stability but had occasionally lost some of the attacking fluidity they displayed at the beginning of the season. Sky Sports also highlights that Liverpool have put together three consecutive league clean sheets after earlier matches in which they conceded two goals apiece. That positive defensive run will face a particular test against City, whose Haaland was the league's leading scorer at the start of the round. Iraola stated that Liverpool must perform at the highest level to stop the visitors.
Liverpool begin a run of matches with little time for recovery
The encounter with Manchester City is only the beginning of a congested competitive period. According to Liverpool's schedule, an away Champions League match against LASK follows as early as October 14, with a Premier League fixture away to Brentford on October 17. Three days later, a European encounter with Villarreal is scheduled at Anfield, while the beginning of November also brings a home league meeting with Arsenal. Sky Sports notes that Liverpool face commitments across several competitions in a short period, including the League Cup. The schedule increases the importance of every available attacking option.
Iraola will therefore have to think beyond Sunday's 90 minutes, but without diminishing the importance of the match against league-leading City. Koumas could receive a major opportunity, Barcola could change position, and Chiesa might expand the available options if his fitness permits. The official assessment of Isak and Gakpo remains more favourable regarding their long-term recovery than their immediate availability: their injuries are not considered serious, but both will definitely miss Sunday's showdown. The match will demonstrate how effectively Liverpool's attack can function without its leading figures so far.
Sources:
- Liverpool FC – official confirmation of Isak's and Gakpo's injuries and the status of Chiesa and Jacquet (link)
- Liverpool FC – Iraola's statements on attacking options, Koumas and Barcola (link)
- Liverpool FC – club injury list and Ekitike's condition (link)
- Liverpool FC / Opta – statistical match preview and data on goals, pressing and head-to-head meetings (link)
- Liverpool FC – Iraola's assessment of the team's form and the challenge posed by Manchester City (link)
- Liverpool FC – report on the away match against Bournemouth and the contributions of Isak and Gakpo (link)
- Liverpool FC – Koumas's performance and selection as player of the match against Tottenham (link)
- Manchester City FC – official match preview, current form and previous head-to-head meetings (link)
- Sky Sports – overview of tactical challenges, Liverpool's defensive form and fixture schedule (link)
- Sports Mole – circumstances surrounding Gakpo's injury while playing for the Netherlands (link)
- The Independent – journalistic report from the press conference and background to the international injuries (link)