Isak and Gakpo OUT of Liverpool vs Man City as Iraola gives update

Liverpool will be without Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo against Manchester City after they failed to shake off injuries picked up on international duty.

Isak suffered a thigh injury while playing for Sweden, while Gakpo had to withdraw from Netherlands duty with an ankle problem after being on the receiving end of a strong tackle. Andoni Iraola had suggested earlier in the week that both were unlikely to feature on Sunday at Anfield and he confirmed their absence on Friday.

"Alex Isak and Gakpo won't play, not ready unfortunately for us. Injuries in the break," the Liverpool boss said in his press conference. "You always hope the doctor doesn't call you but we have been unlucky.

"They are not going to be involved. Timeframe - 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."

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Isak and Gakpo have been Liverpool's two most important attackers this season. Gakpo has returned two goals and four assists in six games across all competitions this season, while Isak has four goals in five Premier League games.

Iraola backed Lewis Koumas to step up in their absence, with the 21-year-old Wales international having featured five times this season already.

"Koumas has our trust, you know," he said. "No big surprise. The player has shown he is ready to go. We have other players who can cover the positions, so we take decision."

Iraola had better news when it came to Jeremy Jacquet, who was also a doubt following a knock while on France duty. "Obviously he has done well," he said. "Firstly he is a good player, you've seen clips but if you don't see him every day you can't appreciate what he has.

"I am happy for him personally, debut with France, that is always tough. He played well, he should be happy but has a long way to go. He is fit and ready to go. He will be fine, we need to train tomorrow."

City have won all five of their Premier League games this season and will have Erling Haaland up front after he recovered from a taxing international break with Norway. Liverpool are unbeaten, but have drawn three times already in the league this season.

"It's an exciting game, at home at Anfield against league leaders," Iraola said. "Won all their games. They will go for it, so will we, we have to be ready and help our supporters. I hope we are at the level.

"I think it is still very early whatever happens on Sunday. Just five games but it is true we like to face teams like City and show our level, definitely. It's massive for everyone involved, it's an exciting moment."