Liverpool injury update: Szoboszlai, Gakpo and Isak all miss LASK away trip
Liverpool travel to Austria for their Champions League group-stage meeting with LASK without three senior attackers. Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak will all miss the match, manager Andoni Iraola confirmed on Tuesday, leaving the squad stretched after a difficult week.
- Match: LASK vs Liverpool, Champions League league phase
- Out: Dominik Szoboszlai (hamstring), Cody Gakpo (ankle), Alexander Isak (thigh)
- Also missing: Hugo Ekitike (Achilles)
- Newest absence: Szoboszlai was a surprise absentee at the weekend after picking up the problem during the international break
- Next targets: Brentford away or Villarreal at home for the missing trio's return
- Recent form: Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 but lost 3-0 to Manchester City at Anfield
Injury and availability
Liverpool are without four attacking players for the trip to Austria. Szoboszlai, Gakpo and Isak have all been ruled out, while Hugo Ekitike is already sidelined by an Achilles problem. None of the injured trio will travel with the squad.
Szoboszlai's absence came as a surprise after he suffered a tight hamstring during the international break. Gakpo is dealing with an ankle issue, and Isak has a thigh problem. Iraola described the injuries as not serious but could not put a timeframe on any of the three returns.
With Ekitike already out, Liverpool's attacking options look stretched. Lewis Koumas led the line against Manchester City, with Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz operating from wide areas. There is talent in that front line, but also inexperience, and it showed in patches during the 3-0 defeat at Anfield.
What was said
"They are not bad but it's difficult to tell right now [when they will be back]."
"We are taking it day to day. Really the three of them, I don't know if it's going to be Brentford or Villarreal."
Iraola's comments set a clear tone: the injuries are not long-term concerns, but they are enough to keep three senior attackers out of a European fixture. The uncertainty over whether they return against Brentford or Villarreal means Liverpool must plan for at least one more game without them.
The manager's day-to-day approach suggests no rushed comebacks. That is sensible given the schedule, but it also puts pressure on the players who step in. Liverpool need points in Europe and cannot afford to be dragged into a momentum slump while key names watch from the sidelines.
Why Liverpool's makeshift front line faces a real test in Austria
Without Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, Liverpool lose three different profiles. Szoboszlai offers running and delivery from deep or wide; Gakpo provides a direct goal threat and link play from the left; Isak is the most natural centre-forward available. Losing all three in one week changes how Liverpool can build attacks.
The likely answer is the same shape that started against Manchester City. Lewis Koumas led the line at Anfield, with Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz wide. That trio has pace and willingness to run, but not the same hold-up quality or combination play as the missing men. Against a LASK side at home, Liverpool may dominate the ball, which means Koumas will need to occupy centre-backs and Barcola and Munoz must attack the space behind.
Iraola's bigger issue is rotation. European group-stage points are valuable and the schedule is unforgiving, but he cannot simply overload the same young forwards. If the game is tight, Liverpool's bench lacks proven senior attacking options. That makes the first hour crucial: score early, manage the game, and avoid a scenario where the team is chasing a result with limited firepower.
Talking points
- Should Liverpool risk rushing any of the three back for the Brentford game, or is it smarter to target Villarreal and give them extra recovery time?
- Is Lewis Koumas ready to lead the line in a Champions League away match, or does Iraola need a different tactical approach without a senior striker?
- With Hugo Ekitike also out, has Liverpool's squad depth been exposed as a genuine problem rather than a temporary inconvenience?
- Can Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz provide enough width and end product to compensate for the missing Szoboszlai and Gakpo?
What happens next
Liverpool play LASK in the Champions League league phase without Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Isak and Ekitike. The immediate priority is avoiding another damaging result after the 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City. Attention then turns to Brentford away and the home fixture against Villarreal, the two games Iraola has identified as possible return dates. Brighton and Chelsea also lie ahead on a busy calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak missing Liverpool's game against LASK?
Szoboszlai has a tight hamstring picked up during the international break, Gakpo has an ankle problem and Isak has a thigh issue. None of the three will travel to Austria.
When will Liverpool's injured attackers return?
Andoni Iraola said the club is taking it day to day and that he does not know if the trio will be back for Brentford or Villarreal.
Who will lead Liverpool's attack against LASK with so many forwards out?
Lewis Koumas led the line against Manchester City, with Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz operating from wide areas. Hugo Ekitike is also sidelined with an Achilles problem.
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