Isak and Gakpo return injured from international duty before City

📰 Isak and Gakpo both picked up injuries on international duty and have returned to Liverpool, throwing a question mark over the Manchester City game on 11 October. 📌 Key points 🩹 Isak returned with a minor thigh injury after the Romania game. 🦶 Gakpo hurt his ankle in the first half against Serbia and was substituted. ⚽ The pair have been involved in five of Liverpool's seven league goals. 🏟️ Next up is Manchester City at Anfield on 11 October. 🗓️ After the break, Liverpool play nine games in 29 days. 📝 What happened 🇸🇪 Alexander Isak scored and played 90 minutes in the Nations League match against Romania on 26 September (Sweden won 2-1). However, a minor injury was found after the game, and he returned to Liverpool, skipping the remaining games against Poland, Bosnia and Romania. Sweden boss Graham Potter said it was a thigh injury. 🇳🇱 Cody Gakpo injured his ankle in the first half against Serbia on the 27th (Netherlands won 2-1) and was replaced. According to Liverpool's official website, Gakpo will miss the remaining two international games and undergo detailed tests at the club's training ground. Netherlands coach Xavi said he did not yet know anything beyond the fact it was the ankle, and hoped it was not serious. 📈 ESPN highlighted how important the pair are. Isak has started all five league games and scored four goals, while Gakpo has two goals and four assists in six games in all competitions. All three of Gakpo's league assists have been for Isak goals. 🗣️ Iraola backed Isak, saying in effect that the numbers will come as long as he is fit. Potter also said there is no other player quite like Isak. 📊 By the numbers • Isak in the league: 5 starts, 4 goals • Gakpo in all competitions: 6 games, 2 goals, 4 assists • Goals involving the pair: 5 of 7 league goals • Post-break schedule: 9 games in 29 days 🔭 Why it matters Liverpool are at risk of losing two key attackers at the same time. With the extent of Gakpo's injury still unknown, his absence could be a lengthy one. In a congested run starting with Manchester City on 11 October, how quickly the pair recover could shape Liverpool's early-season momentum.