Liverpool duo Isak and Gakpo face fitness race before City showdown

Liverpool are facing a significant selection headache ahead of their high-profile Premier League encounter with Manchester City this Sunday. Manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that star forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are both currently sidelined with injuries picked up during the recent international break.

Isak, who leads the club in scoring this season with four goals, was forced to withdraw from the Sweden squad after suffering a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Gakpo, the team's most productive player with six goal involvements, sustained a knock while representing the Netherlands against Serbia.

A critical test for the Reds

"Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo both had to leave the national teams with injuries. Now it's a matter of if they are going to recover in time to help us in the next game or not. But right now, they are both injured."

Andoni Iraola

The absence of such pivotal players would be a major blow for Liverpool as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. They are set to host a Manchester City side that has maintained a perfect record under new manager Enzo Maresca, winning all five of their opening league fixtures.

Iraola remains optimistic about his team's defensive progress but acknowledges the scale of the challenge. With both players currently under assessment, the coaching staff faces a nervous wait to see if either will be fit enough to feature at Anfield this weekend.