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Liverpool Isak and Gakpo face fitness tests ahead of Man City match
Liverpool forward Alexander Isak and winger Cody Gakpo face anxious fitness tests ahead of a Premier League match against Manchester City on October 11, 2026. reported that Isak withdrew from Sweden duty with a thigh injury, while Gakpo sustained an ankle injury playing for the Netherlands.
What caused Alexander Isak to withdraw from international duty?
Alexander Isak sustained a minor thigh injury during Sweden’s 2-1 Nations League win over Romania on September 25, 2026, where he also scored a goal. According to the article, the striker stayed with the national camp initially before team officials confirmed he would leave. Sweden coach Graham Potter explained that the forward picked up the problem during the match and received a heavy stamp that left him with a blood-soaked sock, as noted by the article. Potter stated that due to the heavy match schedule, Isak could not participate in remaining fixtures against Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Romania. The article reported that Isak returned straight to Liverpool for further assessment by club medical staff at the AXA Training Centre.
How serious is Cody Gakpo’s ankle injury?
Cody Gakpo suffered an ankle injury just 17 minutes into the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday, September 27, 2026, according to the article. The winger went down after a strong challenge from Sasa Lukic and immediately requested to be substituted. The Dutch FA (KNVB) confirmed Gakpo would travel back to Merseyside without a replacement being called up by Dutch coach Xavi Hernandez. This latest setback follows Gakpo’s standout performance last Thursday when he netted a stoppage-time equalizer against Germany. The article noted that Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola faces an anxious wait regarding the severity of the ankle issue, while the article confirmed that both Isak and Gakpo are currently being evaluated at the AXA Training Centre.
Will Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo be fit to play against Manchester City?
Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Manchester City takes place at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The article noted that Manchester City arrives on Merseyside with a squad largely untouched by fresh international break injuries, giving their coaching staff greater tactical flexibility. By contrast, Liverpool’s selection concerns are isolated entirely to the front line. The article reported that Isak’s potential return date remains targeted for the October 11 clash, supported by Potter’s assessment that the thigh issue is relatively minor. Conversely, the article listed Gakpo’s current status simply under assessment with an unknown exact return date.
How long will Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley remain sidelined?
Hugo Ekitike has not featured for Liverpool since rupturing his right Achilles tendon during the second leg of a Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain in April 2026. The article reported that the French forward faced a recovery timeline of nine to 12 months, placing his potential comeback between January and April 2027. However, recent reports from France indicate Ekitike visited a specialist in the United States and is targeting an accelerated return in November or December 2026. Manager Andoni Iraola unexpectedly included Ekitike in the league phase squad for the Champions League, keeping open the possibility of an appearance in January fixtures against Inter Milan and Lens. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley remains a long-term absentee after undergoing surgery for bone and ligament damage to his left knee sustained during a match against Arsenal in January.
How have both players performed during the current season?
Prior to his withdrawal, Alexander Isak enjoyed a productive start to the campaign, scoring four goals in his first five Premier League appearances for Liverpool, according to the article. The article detailed that his early-season output included a goal in a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, a brace in a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, and the decisive strike in a 1-0 victory against Bournemouth on September 20, 2026. Cody Gakpo has also contributed two Premier League goals this term alongside his international heroics for the Netherlands. Both attackers will continue rehabilitation programs under club medical supervision ahead of the resumption of domestic competition.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.