Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola faces an anxious wait ahead of upcoming Premier League fixtures. Forwards Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak both returned early from international duty due to injuries. The duo will undergo thorough medical assessments on Merseyside by club medical staff at the AXA Training Centre to determine the severity of their respective setbacks.
Cody Gakpo, 27, sustained an ankle injury while playing for the Netherlands during their 2-1 Nations League victory over Serbia in Belgrade. The Dutch forward was forced off after just 17 minutes of the first half following a scissor-motion challenge from Ipswich Town midfielder Sasa Lukic. Gakpo appeared to twist his ankle upon landing and immediately signaled to the bench, leaving the pitch while holding his lower left leg. The setback halts a strong start to the campaign for Gakpo, who has contributed two goals and four assists in six appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Alexander Isak withdrew from Sweden’s squad after picking up a thigh problem during their 2-1 win against Romania. Isak had opened the scoring in that match before experiencing discomfort. Sweden manager Graham Potter confirmed the nature of the issue following the player’s departure. "Isak has a minor thigh problem," Potter stated. "It’s nothing serious, but due to the number of matches in a short period of time, he won’t be able to take part. It’s frustrating for both him and us, but it is what it is."
Implications for Liverpool’s Upcoming Fixtures
The early returns of both attackers leave Liverpool short on attacking options as they prepare for a high-profile Premier League clash against Manchester City at Anfield. The fixture marks Liverpool’s first match back following the international break and comes during a tense period for English football. Fellow forward Hugo Ekitike remains a long-term absentee as he continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury sustained at the end of last season, leaving club staff hoping for positive scan results on Gakpo and Isak.
Club medical personnel will monitor both players closely over the coming days. Isak’s injury is categorized as minor, raising cautious optimism that he could be ready for the Manchester City fixture. However, Gakpo’s ankle issue requires further evaluation via scans before any definitive timeline can be established.
Wider Liverpool Injury Updates
Beyond Gakpo and Isak, Liverpool continue to manage several other fitness concerns within the squad:
- Federico Chiesa: Closing in on a return from a lower back injury that has kept him out since pre-season, with potential to feature in training.
- Giovanni Leoni: Nearing full recovery from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury sustained on his debut.
- Conor Bradley: Continuing individual ball work as he recovers from a long-term knee issue, with a potential return targeted for later in the autumn.
- Hugo Ekitike: Working through rehabilitation from his Achilles tendon injury, with targeted availability set for the latter stages of the winter.
Iraola and his coaching staff will look for favorable injury news as the club prepares to navigate a demanding schedule of domestic and European fixtures.
