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Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Liverpool will be missing Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo for Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester City after both players picked up injuries while on international duty.
The two attackers were forced to leave their respective national squads due to fitness concerns sustained during UEFA Nations League fixtures, with Sunday's match arriving too early for either to feature.
Isak departed the Sweden camp early after suffering a thigh problem in his country's opening game of the international window, while Gakpo played twice for the Netherlands before twisting his ankle.
"Unfortunately for us, both got injuries during the international break," Iraola disclosed on Friday. "As a club manager, you are always waiting until the games end, that the doctor doesn't call you and then gives you bad news.
"But in this case we've been unlucky with Alex and Cody—both of them are injured and they are not going to be involved on Sunday."
The Spanish coach added: "Cody has an ankle injury. He has had some before in his career and it's a matter of him dealing with the pain because when you twist your ankle... it was a really bad tackle, I think. He is doing things individually but [he's] not ready for Sunday.
"And Alex has a thigh injury. It's a small injury but it's a muscle injury. The same [as Gakpo], whenever he feels ready.
"They both don't look like long-term [problems]—we will be analyzing day to day. But they are not going to arrive on Sunday."
Iraola Hints at Surprise Isak Replacement
With Hugo Ekitiké among Liverpool's long-term injury absentees, Iraola finds himself without a natural center forward ahead of City's visit. Federico Chiesa, another potential striking option, may also be unavailable having yet to feature this season due to injury.
This leaves Iraola needing to find an inventive solution, and academy product Lewis Koumas could offer an unexpected answer.
"A full No. 9, it's true we probably have only Koumas [vs. City], but we have some other options, wingers who have played up front in other teams.
"Koumas has our trust. He has already shown in important minutes that he is ready to go."
The 21-year-old has earned Iraola's confidence, with the manager playing a significant role in the decision to retain him at the club this season rather than allowing another loan departure. He has been deployed as a striker this campaign despite his versatility on the flanks, and he recently started the 3–1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Bradley Barcola appears to be the more likely candidate to fill in for Isak this weekend. The summer arrival led the line on occasion for both Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain, and Iraola is confident he can handle the central role.
"He is a top player for us," Iraola said enthusiastically. "I think he can play in any position up front. He probably has played more as a left winger but has played a little bit as a striker, has played even more as a right winger. I think he can cover the three positions up front.
"He's a super valuable player for us."
Positive Update Issued on Jérémy Jacquet
Not all the injury news was negative for Liverpool, as Iraola confirmed that Jérémy Jacquet would be available to start against City despite a fitness scare during his time with the French national team.
The young central defender, who made his senior international debut for Les Bleus during the break, sat out their final Nations League fixture as a precaution due to a minor hamstring issue.
"Yeah, he's fit, he's ready to go," Iraola confirmed. "I think he didn't play with the national team [in the] last game because of protection. But he should be fine. We still need to train tomorrow but he's fine."
Jacquet earned widespread praise for two impressive outings with France against Belgium and Italy, reinforcing the strong reputation he has already built early in his Liverpool career.
The Reds will be particularly grateful to have the 21-year-old available, especially with Erling Haaland set to lead the City attack.