Liverpool travel into Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City carrying two fresh attacking absences, while their opponents face the first match since being found guilty of 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules.
Andoni Iraola confirmed on Friday that Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will not be available for Liverpool. The Sweden forward has suffered a thigh muscle issue, while Gakpo is dealing with an ankle injury after a heavy challenge.
“They will not play; they are not ready,” Iraola said. He described Gakpo’s situation as one that will depend on pain management, noting that the Dutch winger has experienced ankle problems earlier in his career. Isak’s complaint is muscular, but the Liverpool coach does not expect either player to be sidelined for an extended spell.
There is more encouraging news around the squad. French defender Jérémy Jacquet, absent from France’s match against Belgium, is fit again, and Federico Chiesa has returned to training. The Italian has yet to make an appearance this season.
A cloud over City’s return
The fixture comes at an unusual moment for Manchester City. The club have been found guilty on 115 charges relating to breaches of financial regulations, with possible consequences ranging from a fine or points deduction to the removal of titles or even exclusion from the competition.
Iraola declined to offer a judgement on the case before Sunday’s game. “Uncertainty is not good for anybody,” he said, adding that the process is still continuing and that patience is required until its final outcome is known.
