Liverpool enters Manchester City match without injured Isak and Gakpo
- Liverpool enters its upcoming English Premier League fixture against Manchester City without forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo after both players sustained injuries during international duty, topstarnews.net reported.
- 9, 2026, that both Isak and Gakpo are sidelined for the Manchester City match following injuries picked up while representing their respective national teams.
- Iraola noted that Gakpo is currently undergoing individual training but is not ready to face Manchester City.
Liverpool enters its upcoming English Premier League fixture against Manchester City without forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo after both players sustained injuries during international duty, topstarnews.net reported. The match is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2026, at 12:30 a.m.
How Did Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo Sustain Their Injuries?
Liverpool announced on Jan. 9, 2026, that both Isak and Gakpo are sidelined for the Manchester City match following injuries picked up while representing their respective national teams. Isak sustained a thigh muscle problem, while Gakpo suffered a strong impact that caused him to roll his ankle. Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed the absences during his pre-match press conference.
Iraola noted that Gakpo is currently undergoing individual training but is not ready to face Manchester City. Isak’s muscle injury is described as relatively minor, though the club plans to avoid rushing his return to action. Neither player faces a lengthy absence, but their exact recovery timelines remain unconfirmed.
What Is the Financial and Tactical Impact on Liverpool’s Attack?
The loss of both forwards creates a major hurdle for Liverpool, which acquired Isak from Newcastle United in September 2025 for a British record transfer fee of 125 million pounds on a six-year contract. Isak provides clinical finishing and spatial awareness at center-forward, while Dutch international Gakpo handles both flank and central roles with a preference for cutting inside from the left wing.
Liverpool’s attacking depth is further constrained by the long-term absence of French forward Hugo Ekitike, who continues his rehabilitation following an Achilles tendon injury sustained in April 2025. With Isak, Gakpo, and Ekitike unavailable, Iraola must reshuffle his front line against the league leaders.
Who Are the Alternative Forward Options for Manager Andoni Iraola?
Iraola stated that Louis Koumas is currently the only available traditional number-nine option in the squad, though other wingers can fill central roles. French winger Bradley Barcola stands out as a primary candidate because he can cover all three attacking positions. Another tactical possibility involves deploying Florian Wirtz as a false nine to drop deep and link play while wingers attack the space behind him.
Federico Chiesa represents another variable after returning to team training following an injury layoff. However, Chiesa lacks recent match action, leaving the exact duration he can play against Manchester City uncertain.
How Do the Two Teams Compare in the Standings and Recent Meetings?
Manchester City arrives at Anfield with a five-match winning streak, sitting atop the league table with 15 points. Erling Haaland is available for selection, though his inclusion in the starting lineup depends on the final team sheet. Liverpool holds 9 points from two wins and three draws, leaving a six-point gap between the clubs.
Recent head-to-head results favor Manchester City, which defeated Liverpool 3-0 in November 2024 and 2-1 in February 2025. In April 2025, Manchester City eliminated Liverpool from the FA Cup with a 4-0 victory featuring a hat-trick by Haaland.
When and Where Is the Match Taking Place?
The fixture kicks off on Jan. 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. local time at Anfield, translating to Jan. 12, 2026, at 12:30 a.m. Korean Standard Time. Sky Sports broadcasts the match in the United Kingdom, while domestic platform schedules require separate confirmation.