Liverpool are expected to be without a recognized striker when Manchester City visit Anfield on Sunday, as the latest international break once again deals a heavy blow to the Reds" squad depth. Rarely does an international window pass without Liverpool suffering fitness setbacks, but this recent break proved particularly costly with multiple key players picking up issues.
Among the casualties are Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, neither of whom participated in training on Thursday, casting serious doubt over their availability for the weekend. Isak remains the club's primary attacking option, with Hugo Ekitike sidelined and Gakpo serving as a versatile alternative, leaving manager Iraola with a major tactical headache in the final third.
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SubscribeFortunately for Liverpool, defender Jeremy Jacquet was spotted training normally after also picking up a minor issue during international duty with France. The young defender is expected to slot straight into the starting lineup alongside Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez, preserving the backline that secured three consecutive clean sheets prior to the break.
The absence of recognized strikers forces the coaching staff to get creative with the formation and tactical setup. Potential solutions include deploying Florian Wirtz or Dominik Szoboszlai as a false nine, utilizing pacey wingers like Bradley Barcola, or introducing young talents like Lewis Koumas to lead the press against the reigning champions.
Tactical Dilemma for Iraola in High Stakes Fixture
The makeup of Liverpool's midfield and forward line will depend entirely on how Iraola chooses to configure his attack without traditional central options. If Wirtz is pushed forward into a false nine role, Szoboszlai could assume the number ten duties while Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch patrol the center of the pitch.
Alternatively, shifting Szoboszlai into the advanced role allows Wirtz to operate underneath, supported by dynamic wingers on both flanks. This tactical flexibility will be thoroughly tested against a formidable Manchester City side that continues to dominate domestic proceedings under Pep Guardiola.
The growing injury list also highlights broader squad planning concerns, especially with long-term absentee Ekitike out of commission and ongoing scrutiny over summer transfer decisions. Pundits and analysts have questioned the depth of the attacking unit, making this weekend's test a defining moment for Liverpool's early-season aspirations.
Ultimately, kickoff approaches with more questions than answers regarding who will lead the line for the hosts. Whether through tactical ingenuity or sheer grit, Liverpool must find a formula to pierce City's defense and protect their fortress at Anfield.