Liverpool dealt double hammer blow ahead of Man City clash

Liverpool vs Manchester City: Andoni Iraola Confirms Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo Blow

Liverpool go into Sunday's Premier League meeting with Manchester City missing two major attacking options. Andoni Iraola has confirmed that both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will miss the Anfield clash, a setback that strips pace, goals and variation from his forward line.

The timing is poor. International breaks regularly leave damage behind, and this time Liverpool have paid for it. Isak returned from Sweden duty with a thigh problem, while Gakpo suffered an ankle issue with the Netherlands. Neither has recovered in time.

Iraola was direct in his assessment. "Yes, Alex Isak and Gakpo will not play, they are not ready unfortunately for us. They got injuries during the international break.

"You are always waiting hoping the doctor doesn't call you with bad news, but we have been unlucky. They are not going to be involved.

"Gakpo has an ankle injury, a matter of him dealing with the pain. A bad tackle I think. He is working but not for Sunday.

"Isak has a thigh injury, whenever he feels ready they don't look like long-term injuries. But they are not ready for Sunday."

Alexander Isak absence changes Liverpool attack

Isak had started to look sharper after an uneven opening to the season. Liverpool invested £125 million in him last summer and, while the return has not exploded yet, four Premier League goals is a respectable base. One of those was the winner against Bournemouth three weeks ago, a reminder of his value in tight games.

Without him, Liverpool lose a striker who can stretch the pitch and finish quickly. That matters against Manchester City, where margins are usually small.

Gakpo's absence may be just as awkward. He has arguably been Liverpool's most productive attacker so far, with two goals and four assists in all competitions. He also arrived into the season with transfer noise around him after interest from Manchester City.

For Iraola, the message is simple. Liverpool must find a different solution on Sunday, because two of their most important forwards will be watching, not playing.