Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak injured on international duty ahead of Manchester City match

International break injuries

Liverpool forwards Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak have withdrawn from international duty after sustaining injuries during the September 2026 UEFA Nations League fixtures. The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed on Monday that Gakpo would miss the upcoming fixtures against Greece and Serbia due to an ankle problem. Sweden similarly agreed to release 27-year-old striker Isak back to his club following a physical complaint sustained in their weekend fixture. Both attackers have returned to Merseyside to undergo clinical evaluation and rehabilitation under the club's medical staff at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby.

“Alexander Isak will return from international duty due to a minor injury. The striker will not take part in Sweden's three remaining matches and will now be assessed by the club's medical team at the AXA Training Centre.”

Gakpo ankle setback and Dutch absences

Gakpo sustained his ankle injury in the 12th minute of the Netherlands' 2-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday evening following a tackle in the centre circle from midfielder Saša Lukić. The 27-year-old winger attempted to play on before signalling to the bench and being substituted in the 17th minute. The Dutch FA confirmed he will miss Thursday's away match in Greece and Sunday's home match against Serbia, with Swiss reports stating he could face several weeks on the sidelines. Gakpo had started the international window by scoring the equalising goal in a 1-1 draw against Germany on Thursday, adding to a club start of two goals and four assists for Liverpool. His withdrawal adds to a mounting injury list for the Dutch national team, which is already without Donyell Malen, Justin Kluivert, and Xavi Simons, while striker Brian Brobbey was forced off after 30 minutes against Germany and replaced by debutant Mexx Meerdink.

Isak physical complaint with Sweden

For Sweden, Alexander Isak opened the scoring and played the full 90 minutes in Friday's 2-1 victory over Romania before reporting a physical complaint. The issue represents the eighth injury sustained by the forward over a span of one year and six months. As a consequence of the minor problem, Isak will miss Sweden's subsequent three Nations League matches against Poland, Bosnia, and Romania. The Swedish coaching staff agreed to release him from camp on Monday to enable immediate evaluation and treatment at Liverpool's training complex.

Selection challenges for Andoni Iraola

The twin setbacks create immediate selection difficulties for Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola as the team prepares for their next Premier League match against league leaders Manchester City at Anfield on October 11. Liverpool currently sit sixth in the league table ahead of the sixth round of domestic fixtures. Iraola's forward line is already depleted by existing injuries to French attacker Hugo Ekitike, who is recovering from an Achilles tendon problem, and Federico Chiesa, who remains sidelined with a back injury. The club's medical department is conducting tests to determine whether Gakpo or Isak can recover in time for the encounter with Manchester City.