Both players returned from international duty with injuries, after Gakpo picked up an ankle injury playing for the Netherlands against Serbia while Isak suffered what Iraola described as a “small” thigh injury with Sweden against Romania.
Isak’s absence is a significant blow after the striker had finally found his form, scoring four goals in the opening five league games.
Neither injury is believed to be long-term, with Gakpo’s availability depending on how he copes with the pain while the club monitors both players day by day. Their absence could open the door for 21-year-old Wales forward Lewis Koumas to lead the attack against City.
Iraola said a demanding stretch of games before the next international break in November would provide a significant test of Liverpool’s credentials.
City top the table as the only team with a 100% record after five games, while Liverpool are six points behind them in sixth, with two wins and three draws. The rivalry alone would make Sunday’s clash a blockbuster, but the spotlight on Anfield will be considerably more intense with City playing for the first time since an independent commission found them guilty of more than 100 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. A social media post promoting a “Bus greeting” has urged Liverpool supporters to gather near the stadium several hours before kickoff with flags, banners, pyrotechnics and flares ahead of the arrival of the City players’ bus.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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