INTERNATIONAL

Isak & Gakpo injury fears, Wirtz shines & a busy October awaits Iraola's Reds

📅 October 5, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 6

International break update

Liverpool are currently in the middle of a three-week international break, and the news has been a mixed bag for new head coach Andoni Iraola. On the positive side, Florian Wirtz produced arguably his best display since joining the Reds, scoring and creating six chances as Germany beat Serbia 2-0 in their UEFA Nations League fixture. Former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, now in charge of Germany, handed Wirtz the captain's armband and the freedom to express himself — and the 23-year-old delivered in style. Virgil van Dijk was also on target for the Netherlands, though his side were held to a 2-2 draw by Greece. Ryan Gravenberch came on as a substitute in that same game, while Jeremie Frimpong remained an unused sub throughout the break.

Injury concerns

The worry for Iraola is the fitness of two key attackers. Both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo have been ruled out during the international period, casting doubt over their availability for Liverpool's crunch Premier League return against Manchester City on 11 October. Reports suggest the club is hopeful both can return in time for that fixture, but Iraola may be forced to manage their minutes carefully across what is a demanding schedule.

Iraola's message & approach

The Spaniard has impressed observers by staying put at the AXA Training Centre during the break rather than heading off on holiday — a pointed contrast to his predecessor. Iraola confirmed he has been running sessions with non-internationals including Wataru Endo, Joe Gomez, and James McConnell, also drafting in players from the U21 and U18 squads to bulk out training. "We will still train," he said, adding that the team will have only around three days to prepare for the Manchester City game once the internationals return. "That's going to be demanding," he acknowledged.

What's coming up

Once the break ends, Liverpool face a punishing run of six games in three competitions across just 17 days. After hosting Man City in the league on 11 October, they travel to Austria to face LASK in the Champions League on the 14th, then welcome Villarreal to Anfield on the 20th. Brighton visit on the 25th, and further fixtures in the Carabao Cup against Chelsea are also scheduled. Iraola's squad depth and rotation skills will be tested to the full.

Transfer talk

(Rumour) Liverpool are being strongly linked with a new full-back ahead of the January window. Journalist David Lynch says the club's plans in that area are expected to take shape "very, very soon," with newly appointed sporting director Julian Ward said to be making it a priority. Joe Gomez is in the final year of his contract and could leave at the end of the season, making a replacement urgent. Names circulating include Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Ivan Fresneda (Sporting CP), and Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton), though no deal is close. (Rumour) Liverpool are also said to be tracking Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal closely, with the La Liga star struggling for minutes under his club's current management. Separately, reports suggest Murillo of Nottingham Forest has been identified as a long-term successor to the 35-year-old Van Dijk at centre-back, while a £26 million Liverpool star has attracted interest from unnamed European clubs — with the player yet to be officially named in confirmed reports.

Sources

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