Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo miss Liverpool training as Jeremy Jacquet returns ahead of Man City showdown

Liverpool have received a mixed injury update ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League meeting with Manchester City, with Jeremy Jacquet back on the pitch while Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo remain sidelined.

Jacquet had raised concerns after sustaining a left hamstring strain while on international duty with France. The defender missed France’s 4-1 victory over Belgium, prompting fears that his impressive start to life alongside Virgil van Dijk could be interrupted.

However, footage from Liverpool’s training camp has provided a positive development, showing Jacquet back involved with the squad as preparations continue for the visit of league leaders Manchester City.

The same footage, though, showed that Isak and Gakpo were still absent, leaving manager Andoni Iraola with significant concerns over his attacking options.

Isak and Gakpo remain doubts

Isak returned to Liverpool early from international duty after suffering a minor thigh problem while with Sweden, while Gakpo left the Netherlands camp after picking up an ankle injury during their victory over Serbia.

Iraola confirmed earlier this week that both forwards were dealing with injuries, although the Liverpool boss stopped short of ruling them out of Sunday’s fixture.

“I think Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo both have had to leave the national teams with injuries,” he said. “Now it’s a matter of if they are going to recover in time to help us in the next game or not. But right now they are both injured.”

Their continued absence from training will increase uncertainty over their availability for one of Liverpool’s biggest fixtures of the season.

Gakpo has made a strong start to the campaign, registering two goals and four assists in six appearances. Isak has also been an important contributor, scoring four goals in five Premier League outings.

Liverpool face attacking headache

The potential absence of both forwards could leave Liverpool short of options against a Manchester City side that currently sits at the top of the Premier League table.

Their situation is made more difficult by the continued absence of Hugo Ekitike, who is not expected to return until December. Losing Isak and Gakpo at the same time would therefore leave Iraola having to reshape an attack that has relied heavily on their contributions.

Liverpool currently occupy sixth place and remain unbeaten in the Premier League, but their next assignment represents a significant test.

City will arrive at Anfield as league leaders, and Liverpool could need every available attacking option if they are to maintain their unbeaten start.

With Jacquet’s return offering some encouragement at one end of the pitch, Liverpool’s immediate concern remains at the other, where Isak and Gakpo’s fitness could have a major bearing on their preparations for Sunday’s showdown.