Liverpool to be without Isak and Gakpo for Manchester City clash, says Iraola

Liverpool will be without Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City after both forwards suffered injuries during the international break, manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed.

Gakpo has an ankle problem after what Iraola described as a heavy challenge, while Isak is recovering from a thigh injury. Neither issue is expected to keep the players out for a long period, but both will miss the sixth-round fixture at Anfield.

“Unfortunately for us, Isak and Gakpo will not play because they are not ready,” Iraola said. “You always hope the doctor does not call you, but we were not lucky this time.

“Gakpo has an ankle injury and it is about how he deals with the pain. I think he received a strong tackle. He is working at the moment, but he will not be ready for Sunday.

“Isak has a thigh injury. He will be ready when he feels ready. Neither injury seems long-term, but they are not available for Sunday.”

Iraola said Liverpool had other players capable of covering the vacant positions and backed Lewis Koumas to contribute.

“Koumas has our trust, as you know, so there is no big surprise,” he said. “He has shown that he is ready to play. We have other players who can cover those positions, so we will make the right decisions.”

Liverpool’s options in the central striker role have been further restricted by the absence of Hugo Ekitike, while Federico Chiesa has yet to play this season.

“Even before Hugo Ekitike was unavailable, a player I am looking forward to having back, we had limited options,” said Iraola. “Maybe we will get Chiesa back, but he has not played a single minute yet.

“Koumas is the only recognised central striker currently available, although we have other options, including wingers who have played in the front line.”

Manchester City have won all their matches so far, while Liverpool’s unbeaten start includes two draws in which Iraola felt his side had not performed at the required level.

“The current run of matches between the international breaks will be different,” he said. “We will face teams from the top four, as well as Chelsea in the English League Cup and matches in the Champions League.”

On the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City and the allegations against the club, Iraola said: “I think uncertainty is not good for anyone involved, but the process is continuing and we have to be patient.”

He described Sunday’s game as “an exciting match at home against the league leaders”, adding: “They will try to win and so will we. We have to be ready, help our supporters and hopefully perform at that level.”

Iraola said it was too early to judge the significance of the result after only five matches, insisting the fixture was not a must-win game.

“Every Premier League match is big and difficult because the level of competition has risen so much,” he said. “When you face a team close to you, you always want to win, but it is still an early stage of the season.”

He also praised Jeremy Jacquet after his France debut, saying the defender had performed well and was fully fit.

“He is first and foremost a good player,” said Iraola. “You may have seen videos of him, but if you do not see him every day, you cannot appreciate what he has. I am happy for him personally because making your France debut is always difficult. He played well and should be happy, but he still has a long way to go.”

Iraola added that Bradley Barcola should not be judged solely on his goalscoring, saying he wanted the forward to be present and take the chances that come his way. Barcola has played on the left and as a central striker, meaning he can operate in all three attacking positions.