INTERNATIONAL

Injury double blow for Liverpool as Isak & Gakpo race to be fit for Man City

📅 October 6, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 4

Latest Result

Liverpool's most recent outing produced a narrow but important 1-0 win away at AFC Bournemouth, keeping the Reds in strong form as they head into the international break. The result extended their impressive recent run, with the club winning four of their last five matches and scoring eight goals in the process.

Injury Update: Isak and Gakpo Both Sidelined

The international break has brought painful news for manager Andoni Iraola. Star striker Alexander Isak was forced to leave Sweden duty after suffering a thigh problem during their Nations League win over Romania, where he played the full 90 minutes and scored — but paid a physical price afterwards. Sweden boss Graham Potter described the issue as a "small problem" and is hopeful Isak will be available for Liverpool's first game back on 11 October against Manchester City.

However, the bigger worry is winger Cody Gakpo, who limped off just 17 minutes into the Netherlands' victory over Serbia after taking a heavy challenge to his ankle. He has since returned to Merseyside for further assessment, and Netherlands boss Xavi admitted he knew very little at the time beyond the fact it was an ankle issue. Gakpo is currently a serious doubt for the Man City clash. Together, the pair had scored five of Liverpool's seven Premier League goals this season, making their fitness an urgent priority.

International Highlights

It was not all bad news on the international front for the Reds. Captain Virgil van Dijk reached a remarkable personal milestone, earning his 100th cap for the Netherlands — and contributed on the scoresheet in the Nations League. Fellow Liverpool star Florian Wirtz was also in fine form for Germany, captaining his country for the first time and scoring in their 2-0 win over Serbia. Left-back Milos Kerkez also celebrated scoring his first-ever senior international goal, with a total of 23 Liverpool players involved in the break across various squads.

Looking Ahead

Liverpool face a gruelling October schedule: six games across three competitions in just 17 days. After hosting Manchester City in the Premier League on 11 October, Iraola's side travel to Austria to face LASK in the Champions League on the 14th, before visiting Brentford in the league on the 17th, and then welcoming Villarreal to Anfield in Europe on the 20th. Brighton then visit Anfield on the 25th. It is a defining stretch that will shape the club's season across all fronts.

Transfer Talk

Virgil van Dijk (RUMOUR): Liverpool's defensive leader is approaching the final year of his contract, and the vultures are circling. Italian giants Juventus are reportedly monitoring the situation closely and could move for the 35-year-old on a free transfer next summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Separately, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has linked Real Madrid with a similar free-transfer swoop. Van Dijk himself has been tight-lipped, saying he is focused on the "present" and has "nothing to report" regarding a new deal. Football Insider, however, suggests Van Dijk could yet sign a contract extension after reportedly impressing manager Iraola.

Florian Wirtz (RUMOUR): German publication BILD has claimed that Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City could all become destinations for the 23-year-old attacking midfielder if he pushes for an Anfield exit in 2027. Bayern Munich are also said to be monitoring his situation keenly. Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee that could reach £116 million, has struggled with inconsistency over his first season-plus at the club. Liverpool's official stance, however, remains firm: they have no intention of selling the German international and believe patience will eventually unlock his best form in English football. Reports also suggest Liverpool could revive their interest in Manchester City's Rayan Cherki as a potential alternative should a Wirtz exit ever materialise — though that remains speculative at this stage.

Sources

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