Liverpool FC Afternoon Update: Isak & Gakpo out, Jacquet fit

Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will not play against Manchester City on Sunday.

“They are not ready,” he said, adding that both were injured during the international break and that “we have been unlucky”. Gakpo has an ankle injury after what Iraola called “a bad tackle” and it is “a matter of him dealing with the pain”. Isak has a thigh injury and Iraola said: “Whenever he feels ready, they don’t look like long-term injuries.” No return dates were given and both will be assessed day by day. There was better news on Jeremy Jacquet, who is “fit and ready to go”, although Iraola said they still need to get through Saturday’s training.

Who plays up front?

Iraola said Lewis Koumas “has our trust” and that “the player has shown he is ready to go”. He admitted Koumas is the only out-and-out No.9 available with Hugo Ekitike still out, but said wingers who have played centre-forward elsewhere are also options, and that Bradley Barcola can cover three positions across the front line. Federico Chiesa, who has yet to play a minute this season, “maybe” recovers in time. Iraola also pointed to the tight turnaround: some players only returned on Wednesday, so the squad has just three days of training before City, then the Champions League.

Iraola on the City verdict

Asked about City’s guilty verdict, Iraola kept his distance: “We don’t know about the situation, so they are the ones who have to give the answers. My opinion is not valid.” He added that “uncertainty is not good for anyone” and that Liverpool have to focus on being the best team they can be. City have appealed, and Enzo Maresca said earlier today that he completely trusts the club and that the titles are not tainted. Maresca also confirmed Erling Haaland will be fit for Anfield.

Szoboszlai’s Spurs goal wins Goal of the Month

Dominik Szoboszlai’s long-range strike against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup has been voted Liverpool’s Goal of the Month for August and September on liverpoolfc.com. Alexis Mac Allister’s winner against Atletico Madrid was second and Victor Munoz’s first Liverpool goal third.

Transfers, contracts and ownership

Nothing new from a reliable source. The BBC gossip column is repeating a Football Insider claim that Liverpool hold a buy-back clause of around £59.5m on Jarell Quansah and that he is reluctant to return, which is a single source and not confirmed by the club. There is also nothing new on contracts, ownership or staffing.