Liverpool dealt another huge injury blow as key star could miss Man City clash
Cody Gakpo could be out for Liverpool’s crucial upcoming clash against Manchester City after being forced off injured while on international duty with the Netherlands against Serbia.
The forward joins a growing injury list at Anfield at a pivotal point in the season.
Cody Gakpo forced off injured vs Serbia
The Dutch international was subbed off early during the UEFA Nations League fixture following a heavy tackle in midfield.
Serbia’s Saša Lukić caught Gakpo with a late challenge, resulting in heavy contact on the forward’s lower left leg.
Gakpo received treatment on the pitch before being unable to continue, sparking immediate concern for both country and club.
Medical staff are set to assess the full extent of the ankle injury ahead of his return to Merseyside.
CODY GAKPO?? “Fifa virus”????? pic.twitter.com/JQuP62Lc69
— Pitch Wire (@wire_pitch) September 27, 2026
? Gakpo Injury
Serbian midfielder Saša Luki? with a strong sliding tackle. Although he played the ball first, he also caught Gakpo hard afterwards.
Gakpo was limping for the next few minutes and was unable to continue. pic.twitter.com/349FD5upUg https://t.co/gfYIqfXLYS
— Kop Fever (@KopFever) September 27, 2026
Gakpo injury adds to Liverpool’s growing concerns
The setback compounds a major dilemma for Liverpool during the international break. Alexander Isak was also forced to withdraw from the Sweden squad after sustaining a thigh problem during his country’s Nations League campaign.
Isak returned early to Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre to begin evaluation and recovery.
Sweden manager Graham Potter confirmed that while the thigh issue is not long-term, it was serious enough to rule the striker out of action. Losing two focal attacking options in quick succession leaves the coaching staff short on frontline firepower.
Liverpool could be without Gakpo against Manchester City
With Manchester City visiting Anfield immediately after the international break, Liverpool face the daunting prospect of taking on the Premier League rivals without some of their top performers.
Gakpo has been in sublime form this season, acting as the primary creative engine and goal threat in attack.
His potential absence, combined with Isak’s fitness race, serves as a severe blow to Liverpool who are yet to be beaten in the Premier League this season.
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Liverpool star linked with a surprise move to European giants in the summer
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has once again been linked with a potential move to AC Milan,
Van Dijk’s long-term future has been the subject of speculation as he approaches the latter stages of his current Liverpool contract, although the Netherlands international remains an important figure at Anfield.
Carlo Pellegatti: Virgil van Dijk ‘will come to Milan sooner or later’
Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti has reiterated his belief that the Liverpool skipper is destined for San Siro.
Speaking via Football Italia, Pellegatti stood firm on his previous claims regarding interest from the Rossoneri owner.
“Every now and then, people make fun of me for saying Van Dijk would join, but then they had done the same the January before Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived,” Pellegatti noted.
“I continue to say that Gerry Cardinale (Milan’s owner) made clear: ‘Either we get him now by paying or next year for free.’ I said that Van Dijk will arrive at Milan sooner or later.
“We’ll see if Cardinale changes his mind or not, but I can assure you it was not just a name I pulled out of thin air.”
Virgil van Dijk remains key to Liverpool defence
Despite the latest AC Milan speculation, Van Dijk remains central to Liverpool’s plans.
The experienced centre-back has developed an impressive partnership with summer signing Jérémy Jacquet, with the pair providing Liverpool with a combination of leadership, composure and athleticism.
Jacquet’s pace and defensive presence can allow Van Dijk to operate with greater control, while the Liverpool captain continues to provide organisation and experience at the heart of the defence.
Liverpool’s defensive performances have subsequently shown signs of improvement, underlining Van Dijk’s continued importance to the team.
Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool legacy already secure
Whatever eventually happens with his future, Van Dijk has already established himself as one of the most influential defenders of the modern era.
The Dutchman has played a major role in Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League triumphs since arriving at Anfield and has become one of the defining defenders of the club’s recent history.
A potential move to AC Milan would therefore represent a major new chapter in Van Dijk’s career, but for now, Pellegatti’s comments remain a prediction rather than confirmation of an impending transfer.
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Bayern star in Premier League teams’ sights as contract talks reach crucial stage
Premier League clubs are taking a look at Bayern defender Kim Min-jae and preparing the ground for future moves.
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Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae’s future is still very much in doubt, and a Premier League move could be on the horizon.
Top German transfer insider Christian Falk has said on his CFBayern insider website that the defender could “attract interest from several clubs” in the window to come, but has made it clear there’s also a chance the South Korea international signs a new deal with Bayern and stays on there.
Jae could join Spurs or Villa as Premier League interest grows
“This is why other clubs have Kim in their focus. Aston Villa is interested, and I heard both Tottenham and AC Milan are also looking at the South Korean international. In fact the three clubs in question already made contact in the summer for Kim, but in the end there was no offer.
“So, nothing concrete at the moment. I wouldn’t expect a January move or anything. Everything will depend on what Bayern Munich will tell Kim in contract talks this year.”
So there are a lot of moving parts still – but it still feels fairly likely that the big defender ends up in the Premier League at some point.
Tottenham signed a slew of players in that position in the summer – and they feel the less likely option. A move to Aston Villa feels possible, as does a return to Italy with AC Milan. Jae’s breakthrough at the top level came with Napoli, and he might be tempted to return to Serie A.
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Watch: Liverpool duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez involved in huge stoppage-time brawl for Hungary
Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez were involved in a massive stoppage-time brawl during Hungary’s 1-0 defeat against Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League.
Tensions boiled over in the dying minutes at the Puskás Aréna as the home side frantically searched for an equaliser.
Liverpool duo involved in heated brawl vs Ukraine
The flashpoint came in the 94th minute following a series of late challenges and time-wasting incidents.
Hungary captain Szoboszlai became involved in a heated confrontation with Ukraine forward Viktor Tsygankov, prompting players and members of both coaching staffs to rush towards the incident.
Kerkez quickly joined the melee after seeing his national team captain and Liverpool teammate surrounded by opposition players.
The Liverpool pair were both booked as the referee attempted to restore order.
Ukraine’s Oleksandr Nazarenko received a second yellow card during the incident and was subsequently sent off, leaving the visitors with 10 men for the closing stages.
The dramatic scenes overshadowed what had otherwise been a tightly contested Nations League encounter.
Szobo cold as ice because he knows Kerkez has his back every time. ????? pic.twitter.com/7cCiQeYNG9
— centrekop. (@centrekop) September 27, 2026
This is what led up to it https://t.co/A1urlR8vjR pic.twitter.com/7bdGZHH40n
— FlorianFlicks (@FlorianFocus) September 25, 2026
Hungary suffer 1-0 defeat to Ukraine
Despite enjoying significant spells of possession at home, Hungary were unable to find a way through Ukraine’s defence.
Ukraine took the lead in the 42nd minute when Danylo Sikan finished from Heorhiy Sudakov’s precise pass.
Hungary pushed for an equaliser after the break but ultimately failed to convert their opportunities.
The defeat leaves Hungary searching for valuable points in their Nations League campaign, while the late confrontation involving Liverpool stars Szoboszlai and Kerkez provided the most dramatic moment of the match.
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Liverpool star suffers injury blow ahead of huge Manchester City clash as scans await
Liverpool have suffered an Alexander Isak injury blow after the striker was withdrawn from the Sweden squad with a toe problem.
The in-form forward picked up the injury during Sweden’s latest fixture and has now been released from international duty to return to Liverpool for treatment.
The timing will concern Arne Iraola, with Liverpool facing a huge Premier League clash against Manchester City immediately after the international break.
Liverpool confirm Alexander Isak injury
Liverpool officially confirmed the development via an official club statement: “Alexander Isak is to return from international duty due to a minor injury.”
Isak will therefore miss Sweden’s three remaining fixtures during the current international break.
The striker will return to Merseyside, where Liverpool’s medical staff will assess the problem at the AXA Training Centre.
Further tests and scans will determine the extent of the toe injury and provide a clearer indication of whether Isak will be available for Liverpool’s next fixture.
Alexander Isak injury comes at frustrating time for Liverpool
The setback comes at an frustrating time for both player and club.
Isak has made a blistering start to the new campaign, leading Liverpool’s attack with renewed confidence and registering four goals in five Premier League appearances.
His sharp movement and clinical finishing have been central to the Reds’ early-season momentum.
With a crucial, high-stakes clash against title rivals Manchester City waiting immediately after the international break, Liverpool will hope the toe injury proves minor.
Supporters and management alike will be desperately wishing for positive news from the medical team so their star forward can recover in time to feature in the big game.
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“It’s frustrating” – Arsenal star speaks out on his situation amid transfer interest
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has spoken out on finding it frustrating not to be playing more regularly for the Gunners so far this season.
The Sweden international has quite clearly fallen down in the pecking order at Arsenal at the start of this campaign, with Kai Havertz starting all Premier League games for Mikel Arteta’s side so far.
In some of those, Gyokeres hasn’t even made it off the bench, so it makes sense that he’s now considering leaving the club, as initial contacts with four clubs can be exclusively revealed here.
When asked about his situation, Gyokeres didn’t exactly play down the uncertainty over his future as he admitted it’s frustrating not to be on the pitch more.
Viktor Gyokeres on difficult start to the season with Arsenal
“Of course it’s frustrating, no matter where it is,” Gyokeres told Swedish outlet SVT. “You always want to be on the field and contribute, score goals.
“It can be frustrating sometimes but I just try to do my best when I get the chance and focus on what I can control.”
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Arsenal fans will no doubt have mixed feelings about the Gyokeres situation, as he has some qualities even if he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in his time at the Emirates Stadium so far.
The 28-year-old scored 21 goals in all competitions last season to help Arsenal win the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final, so there’s surely some role for him to play.
Still, he doesn’t have that all-round quality of someone like Havertz, and it seems clear that Arteta isn’t entirely convinced by him if the start of this season is anything to go by.
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“Made contact” – Tottenham & Aston Villa keen on signing 29-year-old three-time title winner
Tottenham and Aston Villa are reportedly both interested in a potential transfer move for Bayern Munich central defender Kim Min-jae.
The South Korea international has had a strong career at the highest level in Europe, even if he’s never quite established himself as an automatic starter for Bayern.
Kim won Serie A during his time at former club Napoli, and he’s won two Bundesliga titles at the Allianz Arena, so he’s an experienced winner who could surely strengthen a lot of Premier League clubs.
According to Christian Falk, speaking to CF Bayern Insider, there is genuine interest from Spurs and Villa, who made some contact over signing the 29-year-old during the summer.
Kim wasn’t available at that time, but it could be that clubs will look at him again, while AC Milan could also be another team to watch.
Kim Min-jae could seal transfer to the Premier League
Discussing Kim’s future, Falk said: “I can say it’s still true that Bayern Munich will be the first club he opens any kind of talks with.
But it will depend on a number of things, like what Bayern are offering this Autumn when they open talks over his future? Will they say Min-jae Kim can sign a new contract? Or is he still one of the players the club would consider selling to bring in some money?
“This is why other clubs have Kim in their focus. Aston Villa is interested, and I heard both Tottenham and AC Milan are also looking at the South Korean international. In fact the three clubs in question already made contact in the summer for Kim, but in the end there was no offer.
“So, nothing concrete at the moment. I wouldn’t expect a January move or anything. Everything will depend on what Bayern Munich will tell Kim in contract talks this year.”
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Bayern might do well to keep Kim around for squad depth, but if the right offer came in perhaps they could be tempted to let him go.
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Chelsea and Liverpool chase elite £70m centre back – transfer may need more than just money
Chelsea and Liverpool are being linked with Alessandro Bastoni, but right now it’s hard to see a deal being worth it for Inter.
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TeamTalk are reporting on transfer interest in one of the best players in his positions in the world.
Alessandro Bastoni is regarded as one of football’s best centre backs, and is constantly linked with moves away from Inter. Barcelona seemed close to signing him this summer.
Now Chelsea and Liverpool are the teams being linked with the 27 year old Italy international.
“Bastoni’s ability to defend in a back-three, while also possessing the technical quality and passing range to contribute in possession, would make him an obvious fit for Xabi Alonso’s system,” they point out.
That’s why Chelsea would want him – but would he want Chelsea? We’re not so sure.
Chelsea and Liverpool want elite defender – but Inter and player must both be persuaded
It’s clear why Bastoni has been a top target for big clubs for a long time. And you’d have to be crazy to rule out a Premier League move eventually.
But right now, it’s hard to see a move coming together. At Inter he’s competing for the league and in the Champions League. He’s a leader and loved by the fans. At Chelsea he won’t get that. At Liverpool there are no guarantees either.
Inter, meanwhile, aren’t under immense pressure to sell such a key figure, one whose loss they know would devastate their long term aspirations of winning things. The £70m they would get for him simply doesn’t sound worth what it costs their team on the pitch.
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From Spain: Barcelona back in for Erling Haaland transfer following Man City charges news
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Erling Haaland as a potential transfer target again after yesterday’s big Manchester City news.
The Norway international has long been on Barca’s radar, with the Catalan giants losing veteran front-man Robert Lewandowski at the end of his contract this summer.
No new signing has come in so far, and talkSPORT recently linked Barcelona with an interest in both Harry Kane and Haaland.
The latest from Fichajes is that Barcelona are hoping to pounce on uncertainty over Haaland’s future after the news of City being found guilty of 114 of 115 charges made against them.
Can Barcelona afford Erling Haaland transfer?
However, it’s worth remembering that City can and will surely appeal whatever punishment comes their way, which could mean there’s still no real clarity on what it means for the club for a few more years.
Haaland has no relegation clause, according to Sport, so there isn’t an easy or affordable way for Barca or anyone else to try to sign the 26-year-old regardless of the big news yesterday.
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One imagines, however, that players will surely be concerned about their futures at the Etihad Stadium after such serious wrongdoings were found to have taken place.
MCFC will continue to protest their innocence, however, so that leaves Barcelona needing to find cash for an ambitious signing like this.
One imagines the La Liga champions would need to make some sales to afford both the transfer fee and wages for Haaland.
It could be worth going all in for a potential game-changer signing like this, though, as Haaland has long looked like one of the most lethal finishers in world football.
The former Borussia Dortmund man has 169 goals in 205 games for City, and he’d surely score at an even more prolific rate in Spain.
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“I cannot do that” – Man City chairman breaks his silence after stunning 114 guilty charges news
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has released a statement responding to the news his club are about to be found guilty on almost charges.
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Last night David Ornstein dropped the bomb that Manchester City are going to be found guilty on 114 of the 115 charges against them for breaking Premier League financial rules.
As you’d expect, that led to a hectic 12 hours of reaction and speculation. But Man City themselves stayed very quiet. Now, finally we have a statement from their chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak. It doesn’t reveal much, but it certainly shows there’s no change in their stance.
Man City respond to news of incoming guilty verdicts
“The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began,” Al Mubarak begins.
“There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that.”
He points fans to another statement that was put out by the club:
“The Club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”
It’s hard to know what to make of that. It goes with just what you’d expect: we’re innocent, we just can’t quite explain why yet.
There are many appeals and much back and forth still to come.
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