Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola faces significant squad challenges ahead of the Premier League clash against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, 2026, as key forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo battle injuries alongside defensive concerns.
Liverpool returns to action at the AXA Training Centre following the international break with preparations overshadowed by fitness doubts in the attacking line. Manchester City arrives at Anfield as league leaders. The fixture also marks City’s first outing since an independent commission found them guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018, adding further atmosphere to a high-stakes Sunday afternoon meeting.
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo Injury Doubts Ahead of Anfield Clash
The international window dealt a heavy blow to Liverpool’s attacking depth when both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo returned to Merseyside early from international duty. Isak sustained a thigh problem while representing Sweden, though Sweden coach Graham Potter described the issue as a small problem
according to Anfieldindex. Meanwhile, Gakpo picked up an ankle injury during the Netherlands’ fixture against Serbia and was forced off early after lasting only 17 minutes.
“I think Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo both have had to leave the national teams with injuries. 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.”
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool Head Coach
The Swedish striker has netted four goals in the Premier League so far in the 2026-27 campaign, already better than his tally from his entire 2025-26 season. Gakpo has likewise overcome his own disappointing form and immense personal strife to perform with impressive consistency.
Long-term absentee Hugo Ekitiké remains sidelined following the Achilles injury he suffered in April that cost him his place at the 2026 World Cup.
Jérémy Jacquet Cleared for Training After France Withdrawal
In contrast to the worries in the forward line, Jérémy Jacquet provided a significant boost on Thursday. Jacquet returned to full team training at the AXA Training Centre and is expected to anchor the back line alongside Virgil van Dijk.
French manager Zinedine Zidane confirmed the situation directly to reporters after the victory over Belgium, stating that Jeremy was slightly injured. Having completed a full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win against Belgium and put on a stellar display during a 1-1 draw with Italy just three days earlier, the teenager made a strong impression across his first pair of senior appearances for Les Bleus. Zidane praised the player’s tactical bravery following the Italy match, calling his performance very good.
Retaining Jacquet’s recovery pace and aerial strength at the heart of the defence is vital as the team prepares to face Erling Haaland and Enzo Maresca’s attacking side.
Tactical Options for Andoni Iraola’s Reshaped Lineup
With Isak and Gakpo facing a race against time, Andoni Iraola must weigh several alternative configurations. Florian Wirtz, who arrived as one of the most coveted No 10s in world football, has faced scrutiny over his early-season performances, with Jamie Carragher noting on a bonus podcast after the win over Bournemouth that the playmaker’s impact and the challenge of fitting him into the team without disrupting the balance require attention.
Iraola might alternatively deploy Szoboszlai in a false nine position—an approach he tested during pre-season—which would keep Wirtz stationed in the No 10 role.
- Lewis Koumas: The locally born 20-year-old Welsh forward, who rejected a £50,000-a-week offer to leave, offers relentless pressing and could deputize in the central role. Although he sat on the bench for the Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid, his most recent competitive outing for the first team took place upwards of twelve months ago during a Carabao Cup tie against Southampton in September 2025.
- Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz: Recent additions provide width and pace on the flanks alongside Rio Ngumoha.
- Federico Chiesa: The former Juventus man has not featured this season due to a muscular issue, with a target return set for late September.
Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 4:30 pm on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with live coverage broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event.