Liverpool dealt double hammer blow with Isak and Gakpo ruled out of Man City clash

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will miss Sunday's Premier League meeting with Manchester City at Anfield. Isak has a thigh injury, while Gakpo has an ankle problem. Both were sustained during the international break.

  • Match: Liverpool vs Manchester City, Premier League
  • Venue: Anfield
  • Date: Sunday
  • Confirmed absentees: Alexander Isak (thigh), Cody Gakpo (ankle)
  • Isak's league goals: 4
  • Gakpo's output: 2 goals, 4 assists in all competitions

Injury and availability

  • OUT Alexander Isak (thigh injury – sustained on Sweden duty)
  • OUT Cody Gakpo (ankle injury – sustained on Netherlands duty)

Isak and Gakpo are the only two confirmed absentees. Neither has recovered in time to feature at Anfield.

What was said

"Yes, Alex Isak and Gakpo will not play, they are not ready unfortunately for us. They got injuries during the international break."

— Andoni Iraola, speaking to the media

"You are always waiting hoping the doctor doesn't call you with bad news, but we have been unlucky. They are not going to be involved."

— Andoni Iraola

"Gakpo has an ankle injury, a matter of him dealing with the pain. A bad tackle I think. He is working but not for Sunday."

— Andoni Iraola on Cody Gakpo

"Isak has a thigh injury, whenever he feels ready they don't look like long-term injuries. But they are not ready for Sunday."

— Andoni Iraola on Alexander Isak

Iraola's comments reveal a manager resigned to a difficult hand but not panicking over the long-term picture. He twice stressed that neither injury is expected to be a long-term issue, which offers Liverpool hope for the weeks ahead. The immediate concern, however, is purely about Sunday.

The phrasing around Gakpo — "a matter of him dealing with the pain. A bad tackle" — suggests a more bruising, impact-type problem than a structural one, while Isak's thigh issue is described as a waiting game. Neither player will be involved at Anfield.

The numbers

  • Isak's Premier League goals: 4
  • Isak's most recent goal: winner vs Bournemouth three weeks ago
  • Gakpo's goals this season (all competitions): 2
  • Gakpo's assists this season (all competitions): 4

Why Liverpool's attack looks different without Isak and Gakpo

Tactically, Liverpool lose two very different profiles. Alexander Isak is the striker who stretches the pitch and finishes quickly — a runner in behind who forces Manchester City's defensive line to respect depth. Without that threat, City's centre-backs can squeeze higher and suffocate build-up play. Isak had started to find rhythm after an uneven opening, and his four league goals include the winner against Bournemouth three weeks ago, a reminder of his knack for the decisive moment in tight games.

Cody Gakpo's absence may be just as awkward. He has arguably been Liverpool's most productive attacker this season with two goals and four assists in all competitions. His ability to drift inside from the left or play centrally gives Iraola a variation that is difficult to replace. He also arrived into the season with transfer noise around him after interest from Manchester City — a subplot that adds edge to his absence on Sunday. Without him, Liverpool lose a creative link between midfield and attack.

Iraola's challenge is to find a different solution against the champions. The likely shift is towards a more compact, hard-running front line that prioritises defensive work and counter-attacking speed over isolated quality. That may mean a more direct approach, with midfield runners asked to support a lone striker. The danger is that City dominate the ball and Liverpool struggle to keep it when they win it back. Anfield will demand intensity, but intensity alone does not score goals. Iraola needs someone to step up as a finisher and creator in the same afternoon.

Talking points

  • Should Iraola abandon his preferred attacking shape and go with a low block against City, or trust his squad players to replicate the missing threat?
  • Is Gakpo's injury more damaging than Isak's given his creative output so far this season?
  • Does the timing of both injuries — during an international break — raise questions about how clubs manage player workloads?
  • Can Liverpool's remaining forwards exploit City's high line without Isak's pace in behind?

What happens next

Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. Iraola must finalise his forward line and midfield balance without Isak and Gakpo. The result will shape the early-season narrative for both clubs, and Liverpool's medical staff will continue to assess the two injured attackers ahead of the following fixture.

Frequently asked questions

Is Alexander Isak playing for Liverpool vs Manchester City?

No. Andoni Iraola confirmed Isak will not play due to a thigh injury sustained on international duty with Sweden.

Why is Cody Gakpo missing Liverpool's game against Man City?

Gakpo has an ankle injury, described by Iraola as a bad tackle and a matter of dealing with the pain. He is not ready for Sunday.

When will Isak and Gakpo return from injury?

Iraola said neither injury appears long-term, but both are unavailable for the Manchester City match. No return date was given.

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