Liverpool could be heading into the blockbuster clash with Manchester City at Anfield without Alexander Isak AND Cody Gakpo, leaving Andoni Iraola with a huge attacking puzzle to solve. 😰🔥
Isak returned early from Sweden duty with what has been described as a minor thigh problem, while Gakpo was forced off for the Netherlands after suffering an ankle injury against Serbia. Both are now being assessed, with Gakpo’s situation appearing particularly concerning.
The timing could hardly be worse. Isak has already made an impact since arriving at Liverpool, including scoring the winner against Bournemouth, while Gakpo has also been among the Reds’ important attacking contributors.
So, if BOTH are unavailable for the October 11 showdown… who should Iraola trust up front? 👀
⚡ LEWIS KOUMAS: THE BOLD OPTION
One name that deserves serious consideration is Lewis Koumas.
The young forward impressed during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham, earning praise for his energy, pressing and willingness to lead the attack. Former striker Alan Smith has suggested that if Koumas can perform at that level against Spurs, he deserves an opportunity against Premier League opposition.
Throwing him into a massive Anfield battle against City would be a huge gamble… but sometimes those are the moments when young players announce themselves. 🌟🔴
🚀 BARCOLA THROUGH THE MIDDLE?
Another fascinating possibility is Bradley Barcola being moved into a central role.
The French attacker offers explosive pace, direct running and the ability to stretch a defence. With Manchester City likely to push Liverpool’s defensive line, Barcola’s speed could become a dangerous weapon on the counter. ⚡💨
He has also operated centrally before, making him one of the more natural solutions if Liverpool suddenly find themselves without their main No.9 options.
🔥 VICTOR MUÑOZ COULD GET HIS BIG MOMENT
Then there is Victor Muñoz.
The youngster has already shown he can make an impact, scoring his first Liverpool goal against Nottingham Forest after being handed his full debut.
Would Iraola really throw him into the fire against City?
Maybe.
But with Liverpool’s attacking options stretched thin, this could be exactly the kind of opportunity Muñoz has been waiting for. 👀🔥
🧠 WHAT ABOUT WIRTZ AS A FALSE NINE?
And then comes the wildcard…
Florian Wirtz. 🇩🇪✨
Rather than replacing Isak with another traditional striker, Iraola could use Wirtz as a false nine and surround him with pace.
Interestingly, Wirtz has just found the net for Germany and was named player of the match in their 2–0 win over Serbia, giving Liverpool fans another reason to be excited about his attacking influence heading into the City clash.
His movement between the lines could cause City all kinds of problems, particularly if Liverpool use Barcola and Muñoz to attack the spaces around him. 😮💨🔥
🚨 THE BIG QUESTION
Liverpool have already had enough injury concerns to make this international break extremely frustrating, and the possibility of losing two of their key attackers for one of the biggest games of the season would be a massive blow.
But football is also about opportunities.
If Isak and Gakpo both miss out, someone else has to step up.
Koumas? Barcola? Muñoz? Wirtz as a false nine? Or should Iraola surprise everyone with another solution? 🤔🔴🔥
Liverpool fans, WHO ARE YOU STARTING UP FRONT AGAINST MANCHESTER CITY? 👇👀
