Liverpool face the biggest test of the Andoni Iraola era when Man City visit Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds remain unbeaten in the league, but two wins and three draws have left them sixth and six points behind leaders City.
Enzo Maresca’s side have won all five of their league games and will arrive on Merseyside knowing another win would open a nine-point gap over Liverpool, but they are on the back of an unprecedented scandal after being found guilty of 114 of 115 financial offences.
Although Iraola’s preparations have been severely disrupted by injuries, Liverpool can close the gap with a win of their own.
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo were ruled out after returning from international duty with issues.
Hugo Ekitike is also unavailable, leaving Liverpool without three centre-forward options for the biggest match of the weekend.
Lewis Koumas could be given an opportunity, while Bradley Barcola could move into the middle. Iraola could also use Florian Wirtz as a false nine or give the German freedom behind a makeshift striker.
Liverpool injury list: 10 October 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Player | injury | Current status | Possible return |
Alexander Isaac | Bud | Was sent off against Man City; evaluated daily | There is no exact date |
Cody Steele | Ankle | Was sent off against Man City; works individually | There is no exact date |
Federico Chiesa | Back injury | He can return to training and be in Man City’s squad | October 11 |
Giovanni Leoni | ACL injury | He is expected to resume full team training shortly | End of October |
Conor Bradley | Significant knee injury | He practiced alone and resumed ball work | November or December |
Hugo Ekitike | Torn Achilles | Continuing long-term rehabilitation | January 2027 target |
Whatever the solution, Liverpool need Wirtz to be more effective.
The playmaker produced another quiet performance in a narrow win at Bournemouth before the international break. Liverpool scored, but Wirtz again struggled to take control of the game or consistently create spaces around the box.
Sunday offers him the perfect stage to change his mood.
A strong display against City will remind everyone why Liverpool made a club-record package of up to £116m to sign him from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025, but another frustrating afternoon will only bring more questions.
Those questions are now starting to go beyond his place in the starting XI.
Florian Wirtz says Andoni Iraola must impress or be sold by Liverpool
CaughtOffside’s Mark Bruce reports that Wirtz is under increasing pressure to prove himself to Iraola, with sources claiming he needs to impress soon or face being traded.
If the 23-year-old is reportedly unable to make a bigger impact soon, the Liverpool boss could face a big decision and a future sale will no longer be dismissed.
Chelsea are said to be monitoring the situation.
Bayern Munich, Barca and Real Madrid are also among the main European clubs watching for any sign that Liverpool may be open to offers.
Chelsea’s interest would be particularly interesting thanks to Xabi Alonso.
Wirtz produced the best football of his career under the current Blues boss at Leverkusen and became the creative heartbeat of Alonso’s side.
Should Liverpool ever decide to cut their losses, a reunion at Stamford Bridge would be an obvious attraction.
Iraola publicly defended Wirtz, arguing that his value cannot be measured solely in goals and assists. The manager praised his effort and tactical contribution, suggesting Liverpool are determined to unlock the player they believe they bought.
However, trust in an elite club is rarely unconditional.
Wirtz carries a huge price tag, has already spent a full season adapting to English football and must now turn his flashes of quality into regular match-winning performances.
Sunday represents a chance to move the narrative back to football.
With the disappearance of Isak, Gakpo and Ekitike, Iraola needs someone to take charge of the attack. If Wirtz can feature against City, talk of Chelsea and a possible Anfield exit may suddenly seem less urgent.