Liverpool strikers Alexander Isak and Cody Jacobo are doubts for the match against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
Both strikers returned early from international duty after picking up knocks, with Isak suffering a groin problem while away from Sweden and Jaakpo sustaining an ankle injury during the Netherlands match. Nations League Confrontation against Serbia.
With Hugo Equitiki already out long-term due to an Achilles injury, coach Andoni Iraola faces the worrying prospect of not having his key attacking options available for City’s visit.
“Alex Isak and Cody Jacobo had to leave the national team due to injury,” Iraola told beIN SPORTS.
“Now it’s a matter of whether or not they will recover in time to help us in the next match. But they are both injured now.”
The potential attacking crisis adds to the wider selection problem Liverpool face after the international break.
The Reds are already struggling with the fitness of centre-back Jérémie Jacquet, who was ruled out of France’s 4-1 win over Belgium on Monday after suffering a hamstring strain, meaning Liverpool face major injury concerns on both ends of the pitch.
Sunday’s encounter represents the biggest test of Iraola’s tenure so far. Although Liverpool are still unbeaten with four wins and three draws, they face a relentless City side who have taken the most points but have stepped up following this week’s disciplinary news.
“We were unbeaten, but they won them all, so it makes a big difference to their team,” Airola added. “I think we need to be very good if we want to beat City because they have been scoring a lot of goals offensively recently.
“We know the names that are very dangerous. But I also think we have shown good defensive improvements recently and I hope we can defend the threats they face and also hurt them on the other side.”
