Liverpool Face Striker Shortage Ahead of Manchester City Clash

Liverpool face a significant attacking selection problem ahead of their Premier League meeting with Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, 2026, after Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo suffered injuries during international duty. Head coach Andoni Iraola must reconsider his forward options, while defender Jeremy Jacquet has recovered sufficiently to return to training before the high-profile match. According to reports published by Sports Illustrated on October 9 and The Liverpool Offside on October 8, Isak and Gakpo both missed training ahead of the fixture.

Their potential absences add pressure to a squad already without Hugo Ekitike, whose long-term injury has reduced Liverpool's options in the center-forward position. Jacquet provided a positive development after passing a fitness test and joining his teammates in Thursday's training session, according to The Liverpool Offside. The young center back had sustained a minor hamstring injury during his first international break with France's senior team.

Iraola subsequently confirmed that Jacquet was ready to face Manchester City, according to Sports Illustrated. His availability strengthens Liverpool's defensive options against a City attack featuring Erling Haaland.

Without Isak and Gakpo, Liverpool could turn to several alternative attacking combinations. The Liverpool Offside identified Lewis Koumas, Florian Wirtz in a false-nine role, Bradley Barcola, and Dominik Szoboszlai as possible solutions if the injured forwards are unavailable. Sports Illustrated's projected lineup also included Barcola as a potential central striker, with teenage winger Rio Ngumoha replacing Gakpo on the left. Victor Muñoz was tipped to start on the right, while Wirtz would operate behind the forward line.

Alisson was projected to start in goal, with Ronald Araújo, Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez forming the defense. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister were expected to occupy central midfield, although Szoboszlai's workload during Hungary's four UEFA Nations League matches could be a consideration. Liverpool entered the international break in sixth place after an unbeaten start under Iraola, according to Sports Illustrated. Wins over Ipswich Town and Bournemouth were accompanied by draws against Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Fulham.

The match also comes amid scrutiny of Manchester City's financial conduct. The two reports said the club had been found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, making Sunday's meeting its first fixture since that ruling. With Isak's availability uncertain and Ekitike sidelined long term, Liverpool's forward selection remains a central concern heading into the game. Manchester City are scheduled to visit Anfield on Sunday, with Jacquet's return offering Liverpool a boost in defense.