Liverpool could do Arsenal a favour in the Premier League title race after the international break
Liverpool could be without two big names when they face Manchester City immediately after the international break. The Cityzens will hope to capitalise on the injury crisis in Merseyside and maintain their three-point lead at the top of the Premier League when they lock horns with Andoni Iraola’s side at Anfield on Sunday, October 11.
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo could be unavailable for the highly anticipated clash, having each suffered knocks while away on international duty. Isak suffered a thigh injury during Sweden’s clash against Romania and returned to the AXA Training Centre in Kirby for further assessment.
When asked why the 27-year-old striker had to return to the United Kingdom, Graham Potter described the decision as a precaution. The former Chelsea and West Ham boss said: “He’s got a small problem with his thigh.
“It’s not a big one, but because of the amount of games we’ve got in a small space of time, he won’t be able to make those. Not a big one, but it’s frustrating for him and obviously for us.
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“It is what it is, but we move forward with the players we have. Unfortunately, after getting it checked out, it’s a little bit more than what you think during the match. He has to miss the rest of the camp.
“Our medical team has been in contact with the club. Obviously, it’s our decision in the first place because of his status, in terms of his injury. Once that’s the case, we have to inform everybody. That’s just normal.
“We’ve got a really big squad that we believe in. Clearly, there’s not another Alexander Isak, that’s obvious. In an ideal world, we want all our players available, but the reality is we don’t have Alex for this game…
“Clearly, whoever comes in, we’re not going to ask them to be Alex. They just need to be themselves in the best way they can.”
As for Gakpo, he was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Sasa Lukic during the first half of the Netherlands’ clash against Serbia. Like Isak, the 27-year-old winger has withdrawn from international duty and is set for further assessment by medical staff.
Liverpool will be dealt a huge blow to their hopes of defeating Manchester City if neither Gakpo nor the Swede is available for selection, leaving Bradley Barcola, who’s yet to get off the mark, Rio Ngumoha, and Victor Munoz to break the deadlock.
Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta, Enzo Maresca will be salivating at the opportunity to rub salt in the wounds of a potential title rival, knowing three huge points are up for grabs.
Arsenal will, however, have the chance to pile on the pressure and set the pace when they host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on the day before.
Next week, though, Iraola will be expected to provide updates on Isak and Gakpo when he faces the press.
