Liverpool's injury double leaves Isak Gakpo in doubt before City clash

At Anfield, the medical team huddles around a whiteboard, the names Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo highlighted in red, as the clock ticks down to Liverpool's first Premier League fixture NEXT month.

Injuries on international duty

Both forwards picked up knocks while representing their countries in the Nations League. Isak, who had just scored in Sweden’s win over Romania, suffered a thigh injury after playing the full 90 minutes, prompting a precautionary return to Liverpool. Cody Gakpo limped off after 16 minutes against Serbia when Sasa Lukic’s sliding tackle left him clutching his lower left leg.

Impact on upcoming City clash

Liverpool’s next domestic test is a home game against Manchester City on Sunday 11 October, a match that could decide early‑season momentum. The Dutch side currently sit top of the Premier League but are under a cloud of FFP sanctions. Liverpool hope Isak’s thigh issue proves minor and that Gakpo’s problem is no more than a scare before the big encounter.

Managerial concerns and squad depth

Andoni Iraola faces a difficult waiting game. Sweden boss Graham Potter confirmed that Isak will miss the rest of the camp, adding, “Our medical team has been in contact with the club… there’s not another Alexander Isak, that’s obvious.” Hugo Ekitike, another key attacker, remains out until 2027 after rupturing his Achilles.

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Gakpo, 27, has already contributed two goals and four assists in six games across all competitions, silencing rumours of a summer move to Tottenham or Manchester City. New Netherlands manager Xavi suggested the injury is not serious, but the exact severity remains unknown.

Our view from the fanbase is one of growing anxiety. Losing both Isak and Gakpo, even temporarily, would blunt Liverpool’s attacking thrust, especially with Ekitike still sidelined. The club’s depth can cope in patches, but thriving against a side like City will be far harder without its front‑line stars.

Should the injuries prove minor, Liverpool can field a full‑strength attack against City, preserving the rhythm of their early‑season campaign. If either setback extends, the pattern of missing key forwards could linger, shaping the narrative of the season ahead.