Liverpool Face Attacking Dilemma as Isak and Gakpo Miss Manchester City Clash

Liverpool will be without Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo for Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City, leaving manager Andoni Iraola with difficult decisions over his attacking line. With Hugo Ekitike also sidelined, Lewis Koumas could be handed a rare starting opportunity as Liverpool look for goals against the reigning title contenders.

Liverpool have suffered a significant setback ahead of their Premier League showdown with Manchester City, with both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo ruled out through injury. Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed the absences ahead of Sunday’s match at Anfield, forcing him to reconsider his options in attack at a crucial point in the season.

The timing is particularly challenging for Liverpool given the contributions of the two forwards so far this campaign. Isak has scored four Premier League goals, while Gakpo has found the net once and provided three assists. Together, they have been responsible for five of Liverpool’s seven league goals, underlining how much the team could miss their attacking influence.

Iraola has stressed that neither injury is considered long-term, but their absence will still create an immediate problem. With Hugo Ekitike also unavailable, Liverpool have limited options for the central striker position ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.

Koumas could get a rare chance to start

One possible solution is to give Lewis Koumas an opportunity to lead the line. The young forward is currently the only recognised number nine available among the four options Iraola would normally consider, making him a potential candidate for a prominent role against City.

The Liverpool manager expressed confidence in Koumas, suggesting that the forward has already demonstrated his readiness during previous appearances.

“Of the four number nines, it’s true we probably only have Koumas right now, but we have wingers who have played up front in other teams,” Iraola said.

He added that Koumas had the club’s trust and that he had long held the player in high regard.

“I don’t think it’s a big surprise. I always liked the player and he has already shown in important minutes that he is ready to go,” Iraola explained.

The manager also made clear that Koumas was not Liverpool’s only possible solution, leaving open the possibility of adapting the roles of other attacking players.

Barcola and other wide options provide alternatives

Liverpool still have several wide attackers available, including Bradley Barcola, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz. Iraola could decide to deploy Barcola through the middle rather than in his usual wide role, allowing Liverpool to maintain pace and movement in the final third despite their depleted forward line.

Such a change would give the manager flexibility, but it would also require players to adapt to different responsibilities against a Manchester City side expected to pose a significant challenge.

Liverpool’s lack of recognised central forwards means Iraola must weigh the benefits of selecting Koumas against the possibility of using a more versatile attacker in the role. The decision could prove important, particularly if Liverpool struggle to create clear scoring opportunities without Isak and Gakpo.

Chiesa returns to training

There is some encouragement for Liverpool in the return of Federico Chiesa to training. The Italian forward has been recovering from an injury sustained during pre-season and could potentially return to the squad.

However, Iraola acknowledged that Chiesa has not yet played any minutes this season, meaning his involvement against City remains uncertain.

“We will maybe recover Fede Chiesa but he hasn’t played any minutes,” the manager said.

Even if Chiesa is available, Liverpool will need to consider his match fitness before relying on him in such an important fixture. His return could nevertheless provide another option as the team navigates a busy schedule.

A crucial test for Liverpool’s remaining attackers

The absence of Isak and Gakpo comes at an awkward time, with Liverpool facing a run of matches in quick succession. Although Iraola does not expect either player to be sidelined long-term, the team must find a way to cope without two of its most productive attackers.

Sunday’s encounter with Manchester City will therefore test not only Liverpool’s depth but also the adaptability of their remaining forwards. Koumas could seize the opportunity to make an impression, while Barcola and the other wide players may be asked to take on greater responsibility.

Iraola will hope his available players can compensate for the missing goals and creativity. With Liverpool’s attacking options stretched, the manager’s decision over who leads the line could have a major influence on their chances at Anfield.