Liverpool have received a timely injury boost ahead of Sunday's heavyweight Premier League showdown with Manchester City, with Jeremy Jacquet returning to first-team training. 

However, the absence of Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo has left Andoni Iraola facing a potentially significant attacking headache.

With Manchester City heading to Anfield on Sunday 11th October, Liverpool's preparations have been overshadowed by injuries sustained during the international break.

However, Thursday's training session at the AXA Training Centre brought some welcome news, with French defender Jeremy Jacquet spotted working alongside his teammates.

The 21-year-old had withdrawn from international duty after suffering a strain in his left hamstring, raising concerns over his availability for one of Liverpool's biggest fixtures of the season.

Jacquet, who has established himself alongside Virgil van Dijk in Iraola's defence, participated in both indoor gym work and outdoor training, suggesting his recovery is progressing positively.

Although his involvement does not guarantee a starting place against City, it represents an encouraging development for Liverpool's defensive preparations. 

While Jacquet's return offers encouragement, Liverpool supporters will be considerably less pleased by the latest developments surrounding Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.

Neither forward was spotted participating in Thursday's training session, with both continuing to recover from injuries suffered while representing their respective countries.

Isak returned early from Sweden duty after sustaining a minor thigh injury, while Gakpo suffered an ankle problem during the Netherlands' 2-1 victory over Serbia.

Speaking to beIN Sports, Iraola admitted the situation remains uncertain.

"Now it's a matter of if they are going to recover in time to help us in the next game or not. But right now they are both injured."

Their potential absence would leave Liverpool without two important attacking options against a Manchester City side that has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign. 

Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Ronald Araujo, Joe Gomez, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong were among the defensive players spotted.

Midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz and Wataru Endo were also involved.

Further forward, Bradley Barcola, Mateo Munoz, Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas trained, while Federico Chiesa's return from his own injury setback provides another welcome boost.

Chiesa's availability could prove particularly valuable should Isak and Gakpo fail to recover in time.

Liverpool are also continuing to manage several longer-term absentees.

Hugo Ekitike remains sidelined with an Achilles injury and is not expected back until December, while Conor Bradley continues his rehabilitation from a knee problem.

Giovanni Leoni is also working towards a return following his lengthy injury absence, although Sunday's fixture could arrive too soon. 

For Iraola, the challenge is clear. Liverpool must find a way to match Manchester City's attacking quality while potentially missing several influential players.

Jacquet's return is certainly a step in the right direction, but with the clock ticking towards Sunday, all eyes will remain on Isak and Gakpo.

Anfield awaits, Manchester City are coming, and Liverpool's injury list could yet have a major say in how this heavyweight encounter unfolds.

Do you think Liverpool will struggle against Manchester City if Isak and Gakpo aren't fit? Leave your thoughts and comments below.