Double Injury Blow for Liverpool as Isak & Gakpo Return Hurt from Internationals
Injury Crisis Hits Anfield During International Break
Liverpool have been dealt a serious double injury blow during the September international break, with both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo picking up knocks while representing their national teams. The timing could not be worse for manager Andoni Iraola, who is still finding his footing in his debut season at the club.
Isak, Liverpool's top scorer this season with four goals in all competitions, left the Sweden squad early and returned to Merseyside after the club confirmed a "minor injury." The Swedish striker had scored and played the full 90 minutes in Sweden's 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Romania on Friday, but will not take part in the country's remaining three Nations League fixtures and is now being assessed at the club's Kirkby training base.
The situation with Gakpo is potentially more concerning. The Dutch winger was forced off as early as the 17th minute of the Netherlands' 2-1 Nations League win over Serbia on Sunday, having suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury moments earlier. He tried to play on before eventually leaving the field. The Dutch football federation confirmed he is not fit enough to remain with the squad and has returned to Liverpool. Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez opted not to call up a replacement.
Liverpool's next game after the international break is a blockbuster home clash against Manchester City at Anfield on October 11 β a fixture in which Iraola will desperately need his best forwards available.
Season So Far Under Iraola
This is Liverpool's first campaign under Andoni Iraola, the Spanish coach who was appointed on a two-year deal in June 2026, succeeding Arne Slot. The Reds currently sit 6th in the Premier League table, with their best result of the season being a 2-0 win away at Ipswich Town on 4 September, with Isak netting both goals. They also beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 in the EFL Cup in September. The club also recently announced a new partnership deal with Turkish Airlines, who will become Liverpool's main club partner from June 2027.
Transfer Talk
(The following is based on reports and rumours β nothing officially confirmed by Liverpool FC.)
RUMOUR: Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh remains strongly linked with a move to Anfield, despite a deal failing to materialise during the summer transfer window. Liverpool reportedly had two offers rejected by Brighton, with the south coast club holding firm on an Β£80 million asking price. According to a Gambian football expert cited by Sport Witness, Minteh still very much wants the switch to Liverpool and is expected to stay within the Premier League if he eventually leaves Brighton. The 22-year-old former Feyenoord star is currently recovering from an injury but is expected back in action after the September international break. However, analysts suggest a move is unlikely before the summer window, and Brighton's high valuation remains the main stumbling block. Liverpool are also said to still need to offload a winger before bringing another one in, given they already have options on the flanks.
Sources
- Isak and Gakpo Injured on Int'l Duty in Blow to Liverpool β Asharq Al-Awsat
- Isak and Gakpo injured on international duty in blow to Liverpool β Washington Times
- International injury concerns raised as Liverpool suffer blow β Yahoo Sports
- Β£80m transfer target knows it's 'a big win' that Liverpool want him β Empire of the Kop
- Liverpool transfer news: Yankuba Minteh message issued β Football Transfers
- 2026β27 Liverpool F.C. season β Wikipedia