Liverpool Strikers Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are doubts to face Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
Both strikers returned early from international duty after picking up knocks, with Isak picking up a thigh problem while away with Sweden and Gakpo picking up an ankle injury during the Netherlands. League of Nations match against Serbia.
With Hugo Ekitike already out for the long term with an Achilles injury, manager Andoni Iraola faces the alarming prospect of being without his main attacking options for the visit of City.
“Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo have had to leave the national teams with injuries,” Iraola told beIN SPORTS.
“Now it’s a question of whether they will recover in time to help us in the next game or not. But right now they are both injured.”
The potential attacking crisis adds to Liverpool’s wider squad headaches following the international break.
The Reds are already sweating on the fitness of centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who sat out France’s 4-1 win over Belgium on Monday after suffering a hamstring strain. Liverpool have major injury concerns at both ends of the pitch.
Sunday’s game represents the biggest test of Iraola’s tenure so far. Although Liverpool remain unbeaten with four wins and three draws, they face a relentless City side who have taken maximum points, but are following this week’s disciplinary news.
“We’ve been undefeated but they’ve won them all, so it makes a big difference to their side,” added Iraola. “I think we have to be very, very good if we want to beat City because lately they have been particularly offensive scoring a lot of goals.
“We know the names that are very dangerous. But I think we’ve also shown some good defensive improvements lately and hopefully we can defend the threats they have and hurt them on the other end.”
