Journalist believes Liverpool could receive huge injury boost ahead of Brentford clash

Journalist believes Liverpool could receive huge injury boost ahead of Brentford clash David Lynch Hopes for Alexander Isak or Cody Gakpo Injury Boost Against Brentford Liverpool could receive a timely attacking boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brentford, with journalist David Lynch hopeful that Alexander Isak or Cody Gakpo will be available for Andoni Iraola. Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Lynch discussed Liverpool’s injury concerns following their emphatic 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK. Despite that impressive European result, questions remain over Liverpool’s attacking options, particularly after Lewis Koumas completed another 90 minutes in Austria. Lynch believes the manager’s team selection against LASK could offer clues about the availability of his senior forwards, although he stressed that confirmation would have to come from Iraola. Alexander Isak Could Be Nearing Liverpool Return Isak’s absence has left Liverpool short of established centre-forward options, with Hugo Ekitike also unavailable through injury. Koumas has stepped into the side admirably, scoring against LASK and providing an assist, but Lynch questioned whether the youngster could reasonably be expected to start again at Brentford. “I wonder whether Isak is close only on the basis that Koumas does another 90 minutes and you then you start to think well you know he probably can’t play then against Brentford.” The journalist suggested Liverpool’s selection decisions in Austria might indicate that Iraola expects to have another attacking option available this weekend. He also noted that Barcola’s substitution and Victor Muñoz’s limited involvement could point towards the manager’s preferred attacking combination. “I’m just wondering whether that Barcola, Isak, Muñoz front three will be there for the Brentford game but we’ll have to see.” It remains speculation rather than confirmation of Isak’s availability, but the possibility would be encouraging for Liverpool supporters. Cody Gakpo Offers Another Potential Solution Gakpo’s fitness is equally important, given his ability to operate centrally or from the left. During the podcast, Lynch explained why the different nature of the injuries could influence when either player returns. “I’d just like to think that one of them at least is close, you know, cuz obviously both of them could play center forward.” He added: “I just had a feeling that Isak’s was less serious than Gakpo, but maybe not.” Lynch then outlined an important distinction between the two situations. “Gakpo’s injury is more about whether he feels pain in it which means you can as soon as he doesn’t feel pain you can throw him straight back in. Whereas with Isak muscular you’ve maybe got to manage it a bit more.” That distinction could influence Iraola’s thinking, particularly with Liverpool facing a demanding domestic schedule. The priority will be ensuring that whichever forward returns is physically prepared for the intensity of Premier League football. Photo: IMAGO Andoni Iraola Leaves Door Open for Brentford Injury Boost Since the podcast was recorded, Iraola has provided a further update on Isak, Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai. Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference, the Liverpool manager confirmed that none of the three had been ruled out of Saturday’s fixture. “It’s early for us to say, we have still tomorrow’s training,” Iraola explained. “We have to wait and see. I think it’s still very early but the same way I said they are not available for the previous games, I leave the chance open this time, yes.” The news offers encouragement, particularly with Liverpool facing Brentford less than 72 hours after their Champions League victory. Szoboszlai’s potential return would also be significant, with Ryan Gravenberch suspended following his dismissal against Manchester City. Lynch believes even one or two returning players would make an immediate difference. “Be a boost to get if you could get a couple of them back and you know the bench starts to look better the team itself starts to look better.” Liverpool Face Difficult Brentford Test After LASK Victory Liverpool’s six-goal performance in Austria demonstrated the attacking potential within Iraola’s squad, particularly through Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz and Rio Ngumoha. However, Brentford present a different challenge. Lynch warned that Liverpool should expect a considerably more physical contest against opponents enjoying an impressive start to the Premier League campaign. The possible return of Isak or Gakpo would give Iraola greater flexibility, particularly in managing the workload of his younger players. Lynch concluded that Koumas was unlikely to start another match so soon after his European exertions. “I can’t see it being Koumas again. You expect Barcola to start absolutely and maybe Muñoz as well.” He added: “It just seems like there’s a vacancy there opening up at center forward and that fingers crossed one of them is going to be back.” For Liverpool, the final training session could prove decisive. Isak and Gakpo remain doubts rather than confirmed absentees, and Iraola’s latest comments offer genuine hope that at least one could feature at Brentford. After an encouraging Champions League victory, a timely return for either forward would provide another welcome lift.