Liverpool boss Iraola confirms double blow ahead of Man City clash

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will both miss Sunday’s game against Manchester City after suffering injuries on international duty.

Isak has picked up a thigh problem while Gakpo has suffered an ankle injury.

Neither are expected to be long-term issues but both will miss Sunday’s clash at Anfield.

“Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo will not play the game,” Iraola said.

“They are not ready unfortunately for us. Both got injuries during the international break.

“As a club manager you’re always hoping the doctor doesn’t call you with bad news but in this case we’ve been unlucky with Alex and Cody.

“Both of them are injured and are not going to be involved on Sunday.

“Cody has an ankle injury, he’s had some before in his career and it’s a matter of him dealing with the pain,” he added.

“It was a really bad tackle I think.

“He’s doing things individually but will not be ready for Sunday.

“Alex has a thigh injury, a small injury, but it’s a muscle injury. It’s the same [as Gakpo], whenever he feels ready.

“They don’t look like long term, we will be analysing day to day, but they are not going to feature on Sunday.”

Iraola also backed Lewis Koumas to step up in their absence if needed.

“I think Koumas has our trust,” he said.

“He has already shown in important minutes that he is ready to go and we also have other players who can cover the positions and now we will need to take decisions.”

In more positive news, Jeremy Jacquet is fit to feature despite missing France’s game against Belgium earlier this week.