Liverpool’s preparations for their huge Premier League meeting with Manchester City have been thrown into fresh uncertainty, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both returning from international duty early because of injuries.
The Reds have made an unbeaten start to life under Andoni Iraola, but the timing of the latest fitness concerns could hardly be worse.
Liverpool are due to welcome Manchester City to Anfield on October 11, and the availability of two of their most important attacking players could have a major impact on Iraola’s preparations.
Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike remains on the long-term injury list as he continues his recovery from a serious Achilles problem.
Here is the latest on all three players.
Alexander Isak injury update
Alexander Isak’s withdrawal from the Sweden squad is currently one of Liverpool’s biggest concerns.
The striker scored during Sweden’s Nations League victory over Romania but subsequently reported a thigh problem and returned to Merseyside for further assessment.
Sweden manager Graham Potter played down fears surrounding the injury, describing it as a small thigh problem rather than a serious issue.
Potter explained that the problem initially felt like a dead leg or minor knock, but became clearer during the 24 to 48 hours following the match.
Liverpool and Sweden’s medical teams have remained in contact, with the decision ultimately made to withdraw Isak from international duty rather than risk aggravating the problem.
That will come as some relief to Liverpool supporters.
Isak has already become an important part of Iraola’s attacking plans, and Liverpool will be hoping that the striker can recover in time for the biggest fixture on their immediate schedule.
Potential return: October 11 vs Manchester City
At present, the hope is that Isak’s injury is minor enough for him to be available when Manchester City visit Anfield.
Cody Gakpo injury update
Cody Gakpo’s situation appears more uncertain.
The Dutch forward was involved in a dramatic international break, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser against Germany before suffering an ankle injury during the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Serbia.
Gakpo was involved in a strong challenge with Saša Lukić and initially attempted to continue playing.
However, the Liverpool attacker eventually asked to be substituted in the first half.
The injury was considered serious enough for Gakpo to return to Liverpool early, allowing the club’s medical staff to assess the problem themselves.
There is currently no confirmed return date for the 27-year-old.
That will concern Iraola given Gakpo’s importance to Liverpool’s attack during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Liverpool will now be hoping that further examinations reveal that the injury is not as serious as initially feared.
Potential return: Unknown
Gakpo’s availability for the Manchester City clash will depend on how quickly the ankle problem settles.
Hugo Ekitike injury update
Hugo Ekitike is in a completely different situation.
The French forward has been sidelined since suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during the second leg of last season’s Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain in April.
The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign and also ended his hopes of featuring at the World Cup.
His expected recovery period was initially placed at around nine to 12 months.
That would put Ekitike’s potential return somewhere between January and April 2027.
There have nevertheless been encouraging signs from the striker.
Ekitike has been documenting parts of his rehabilitation on social media, including footage of himself kicking and juggling a football.
Iraola has also included him in Liverpool’s Champions League league-phase squad, meaning there is a possibility he could return during the latter stages of the league phase if his recovery continues without complications.
The Reds are scheduled to face Inter Milan and Lens in January, which could potentially provide Ekitike with a target to work towards.
Potential return: January 2027
Liverpool will not want to rush the striker back from such a serious injury, but his progress will be closely followed over the coming months.
Liverpool’s wider injury situation
Isak, Gakpo and Ekitike are not the only players currently occupying Liverpool’s medical team.
Conor Bradley continues to recover from the knee injury that required surgery earlier this year. He has begun working with the ball again but is still some distance away from returning to full team training.
A return around November or December is currently being targeted.
Federico Chiesa is also recovering from a small back muscle problem suffered during pre-season. He is reportedly hoping to be fit for the Manchester City fixture.
Meanwhile, Giovanni Leoni continues his rehabilitation from the ACL injury he suffered on his Anfield debut last season and is understood to be slightly ahead of Bradley in his recovery.
A return in November is currently being targeted.
Liverpool face anxious wait before Manchester City clash
The biggest concern for Liverpool right now is the possibility of losing both Isak and Gakpo for the Manchester City game.
Iraola has already shown that he is willing to rotate his squad and adjust his tactics when necessary, but replacing two key attacking players would still represent a significant challenge.
Liverpool will now wait for further medical assessments before making any decisions on the pair.
With the Manchester City clash scheduled for October 11, the next few days could provide a much clearer picture of who will be available.
For now, Liverpool supporters will be hoping the international break has not cost the Reds more than the points they gained before it.
