Liverpool could be heading into their huge clash with Manchester City facing an unexpected attacking crisis. Alexander Isak has returned early from Sweden duty with a minor thigh problem, while Cody Gakpo has also been withdrawn from the Netherlands squad after suffering an ankle injury. Both players are now being assessed ahead of Liverpool’s return to Premier League action against City on October 11.
That could leave Andoni Iraola with a massive selection headache. 😰🔥
Isak has already shown just how important he can be to Liverpool’s attack, scoring the decisive goal in the 1–0 win over Bournemouth after Gakpo created the opening. Meanwhile, Gakpo has been one of the Reds’ most productive attackers during the opening weeks of the campaign.
But if BOTH are unavailable against City, Iraola may have to unleash a completely different attacking formula. 👀
🧨 COULD WIRTZ BECOME THE SURPRISE NO.9?
One intriguing possibility is Florian Wirtz being pushed into a more advanced role.
The German has already demonstrated his ability to arrive inside the penalty area, combine with Liverpool’s forwards and find dangerous positions. He even scored against Monaco during pre-season.
Rather than replacing Isak with a traditional striker, Iraola could potentially use Wirtz as a false nine, allowing Liverpool’s wide attackers to rotate around him. That could make the Reds less predictable and force City’s defenders to make uncomfortable decisions. 🧠⚡
🔥 LEWIS KOUMAS: THE WILDCARD
Then there is Lewis Koumas.
The 21-year-old is suddenly facing the possibility of receiving one of the biggest opportunities of his Liverpool career. Koumas came through his international duty unscathed, and with injuries affecting Liverpool’s forward options, his chances of getting meaningful minutes have increased.
He has already shown that he can bring energy, movement and aggression to the frontline. Against Manchester City, that relentless enthusiasm could be exactly what Liverpool need. 🔴💨
Imagine Koumas leading the press against City’s defenders at Anfield. 😳🔥
⚡ BARCOLA THROUGH THE MIDDLE?
Another option is Bradley Barcola operating centrally.
The French forward possesses the pace to stretch a defence, while moving him into the middle could allow another winger to occupy the flank. It would give Liverpool a completely different attacking profile from the physical presence Isak provides.
And with Hugo Ekitike also unavailable, the situation becomes even more complicated.
🤯 IRAOLA HAS A HUGE DECISION TO MAKE
The encouraging news for Liverpool is that the Isak and Gakpo injuries are still being assessed, meaning their final availability for the City match remains uncertain.
But Iraola has to prepare for every possibility.
If both stars recover in time, the problem disappears.
If they don’t… Liverpool could be forced into one of the most fascinating attacking experiments of the season. 👀🔴
Wirtz as a false nine? 🧠
Koumas leading the line? 🔥
Barcola through the middle? ⚡
Or a completely unexpected tactical masterstroke from Iraola? 😱
The pressure is on. Manchester City are coming to Anfield, and Liverpool may have to find a brand-new way to hurt them. 🏟️🔴🔥
#LFC #Liverpool #LiverpoolFC #ManCity #Wirtz #Koumas #Barcola #Isak #Gakpo #YNWA