Liverpool could face Man City without Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo. Here’s what their potential absences mean for Sunday’s clash.
Alexander Isak in Liverpool shirt
Liverpool could face a major attacking problem when manchester-city visit Anfield on Sunday.
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are both doubts for the huge Premier League clash after returning from international duty with injuries. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola confirmed that both players are currently injured and will race against time to recover before the game. The timing could hardly be worse for Liverpool.
Two of Liverpool’s Most Important Attackers
Isak has been Liverpool’s biggest goalscoring threat so far this season, while Gakpo has also played an important role in the attack. Together, they have contributed five of Liverpool’s seven Premier League goals this season.
Cody Gakpo has also provided three assists, showing that his importance goes beyond scoring goals.
Losing both players would therefore force Iraola to rethink his attacking setup against one of the strongest teams in the league.
Cody Gakpo playing for Liverpool
A Huge Opportunity for Barcola
If Isak and Gakpo are unavailable, other attacking players will have to step up.
Bradley Barcola could be one of the biggest beneficiaries.
The French winger has the pace, directness and ability to attack space that could cause Manchester City’s defence problems. A starting role at Anfield against City would also give Barcola an opportunity to announce himself to Liverpool supporters.
Could Sunday be the day he scores his first goal for the Reds?
Liverpool Will Need More From Wirtz and Muñoz
Florian Wirtz could also become even more important if Liverpool are missing their two senior forwards.
The German will need to find pockets of space between City’s midfield and defence, while Victor Muñoz could provide the energy and direct running needed from the wing.
Liverpool cannot simply replace Isak and Gakpo individually. They will need a collective attacking effort.
Anfield Could Make the Difference
Liverpool are unbeaten in the Premier League under Iraola, but Manchester City arrive at Anfield as the league leaders with a perfect start to the season.
That makes this one of the biggest tests of Iraola’s Liverpool reign so far.
The Reds may have to be more aggressive in transition, defend as a unit and take their chances when they come.
Without Isak and Gakpo, Liverpool’s margin for error becomes even smaller.
But there is another side to this story.
Sometimes injuries create opportunities.
Players who have been waiting for their chance can suddenly become the difference-makers in the biggest games.
And if Barcola, Wirtz, Muñoz and the rest of Liverpool’s attacking players can step up, the Reds can still make Sunday a memorable afternoon at Anfield.
No Isak. No Gakpo. No excuses.
Liverpool will have to find another way to hurt Manchester City.
And at Anfield, anything is possible. 🔴
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/liverpool-handed-major-injury-boost-152506386.html
