Liverpool news: Andoni Iraola faces striker dilemma
Away from the focus on the reception that Manchester City will get at Anfield, Liverpool will not be at full strength on the pitch, with Andoni Iraola confirming that both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are...
Away from the focus on the reception that Manchester City will get at Anfield, Liverpool will not be at full strength on the pitch, with Andoni Iraola confirming that both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are out for Sunday. Between them, the pair have scored five of Liverpool's seven Premier League goals this season - Isak netting four times and Gakpo once.
The Netherlands forward has also provided three Premier League assists this term. The injuries are not "long-term" issues according to Iraola, but with Hugo Ekitike also sidelined, the Liverpool boss has a big decision to make, in terms of who will lead the line. With Bradley Barcola, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz, Liverpool have sufficient wide attacking options, and Iraola may choose to play Barcola centrally - but there could be a rare opportunity to start for Lewis Koumas.
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"Of the four number nines, it's true we probably only have Koumas right now, but we have wingers who have played up front in other teams," said Iraola. "Koumas has our trust. I don't think it's a big surprise.
I always liked the player and he has already shown in important minutes that he is ready to go. "We also have other players who can go in those positions." Federico Chiesa is back in training after the injury he sustained in pre-season. "We will maybe recover Fede Chiesa but he hasn't played any minutes," added Iraola.
With the games coming thick and fast, Iraola will hope that the absence of Isak and Gakpo isn't felt as much over the coming weeks, but all that depends on how his other players step up.
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