Andoni Iraola faces uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s availability for the upcoming weekend fixture, where Liverpool is set to face Manchester City.
This match marks the Citizens’ return to Premier League action following the ruling of an independent panel, which declared them guilty of multiple violations concerning the league’s financial regulations spanning nearly a decade.
Since the Reds were directly impacted during several of those championship battles, supporters are anxiously waiting to see if their key forward, Isak, will be fit to start upfront.
Alexander Isak Ruled Out of Manchester City Match by Liverpool Boss Andoni Iraola
Having withdrawn from international selection because of physical issues, Isak is sidelined, and Iraola shared discouraging updates regarding both the Swedish attacker and his likely backup upfront.
“Neither Alex Isak nor Cody Gakpo are fit to feature,” the manager stated during his media briefing ahead of the match. “Both are unavailable.”
“Regrettably, both picked up knocks while away with their countries. When you manage a club, you constantly hope the international break concludes without receiving a dreaded call from the medical staff. Unfortunately, fortune was not on our side with Alex and Cody this time around; both are sidelined and will miss Sunday’s encounter.”
The ex-Bournemouth head coach went on to clarify that Gakpo is dealing with an ankle issue, whereas Isak is struggling with a thigh problem.
“Their recovery periods don’t seem excessively long, and we’ll monitor them daily,” Iraola explained. “However, they definitely won’t recover in time for Sunday.”
Given that Isak has sustained more than twelve physical setbacks since his arrival in England, and with Hugo Ekitike sidelined for an extended period, Iraola might be forced to deploy Bradley Barcola in the center-forward role, or hand a start to young Jason Koumas in attack.
On a more positive note for Liverpool supporters, Jeremy Jacquet is available. The defender has performed brilliantly since his summer move to Anfield and recently marked a milestone by debuting for the senior French national team during the break.
“Yes, he is fully fit and prepared,” Iraola commented regarding the centre-back. “My understanding is that he sat out his country’s final fixture simply as a precautionary measure.”
In other news, Federico Chiesa has made his return to first-team training.
The highly anticipated showdown between Liverpool and Manchester City is scheduled for Sunday, signaling the return of Premier League football following the international hiatus.
