Liverpool's attack rattled by Gakpo and Isak injuries in FIFA window
Liverpool have confirmed that forward Cody Gakpo and striker Alexander Isak both sustained injuries during the international break, with Gakpo limping off after 17 minutes of the Netherlands‑Serbia Nations League clash and Isak withdrawing from Sweden’s squad following a full‑time appearance against Romania.
Gakpo’s ankle injury
The Dutch forward was forced off in the first half after a heavy challenge from Serbian Saša Lukić. He attempted to stay on but the ankle pain proved too great, prompting a substitution at the 17‑minute mark. Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández later said he did not have enough information to assess the severity.
Liverpool confirmed the ankle problem on Monday, 28 May, and said Gakpo will return to the club for a detailed medical review. The Reds have already felt his impact – he supplied both assists in the 2‑0 win over Ipswich Town in early September and earlier this season scored a stoppage‑time equaliser for the Netherlands against Germany.
Isak’s thigh issue and Sweden withdrawal
Alexander Isak completed the full 90 minutes in Sweden’s 2‑1 victory over Romania on Friday, 25 May, before being ruled out of the remaining three international fixtures. The club described the injury as light and has not disclosed the exact area affected, leaving his return date uncertain.
Sweden boss Graham Potter explained that Isak suffers a small thigh problem, not serious but enough to miss the rest of the camp. “It’s frustrating for him and obviously for us,” Potter said, adding that the player’s status means he will not be available for Liverpool’s upcoming match against Manchester City.
Bitter blow for Liverpool as Gakpo is out with an ankle injury
Isak arrived at Liverpool in September 2025 for a reported £125 million fee, making him one of the Premier League’s costliest signings. In the club’s early season, he scored the winner against Bournemouth and later found the net for Sweden against Romania.
Impact ahead of the Manchester City clash
Manager Andoni Iraola now faces a selection dilemma. In addition to Gakpo and Isak, forwards Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa remain sidelined – Ekitike with a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in April and expected back between January and April 2027, and Chiesa with an undisclosed issue.
Defender Conor Bradley is also out after surgery for bone and ligament damage to his left knee in January; he is training alone and not close to full team drills. Iraola acknowledged the depth concerns but stressed the squad’s resilience.
Liverpool’s next fixture is the high‑profile Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield on 11 October, immediately after the FIFA window closes. The Reds will await further medical updates on Gakpo and Isak before finalising their attacking line‑up.