manchestereveningnews.co.uk

12 players could miss Liverpool vs Man City showdown as Pep Guardiola faces anxious wait

Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola's Man City will face Liverpool

Up to 12 players could miss the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield this afternoon (4pm kick-off).

Both teams are dealing with an extensive injury list and it remains unclear whether both Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot will be able to count on some of their key players. City will head to Merseyside on the back of a six-game winless run in all competitions while Liverpool are cruising in the league and Champions League.

Currently, eight points separates the teams but if Guardiola's side fail to put an end to their poor run, the Reds will extend their lead to 11 points. Arsenal, who were in action on Saturday evening, defeated West Ham 5-2 at the London Stadium.

READ MORE: Inside Man City vs Liverpool as rivalry takes twist amid Jurgen Klopp decision and contract chaos

READ MORE: Liverpool vs Man City live stream, TV channel and kick-off time ahead of Premier League clash

Here, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest injury concerns for both teams.

Manchester City

Ruben Dias

Despite returning to the squad for the midweek draw with Feyenoord, he could be involved at Anfield, though a star seems out of the question.

Mateo Kovacic

The midfielder returned from Nations League duty with Croatia carrying an injury that will keep him out for 'maybe a month.' He will therefore not be available for Guardiola.

John Stones

The England international could return this afternoon but seems unlikely to start.

Jeremy Doku

Currently nursing a thigh injury, Doku is expected to miss out.

Rodri

The Spaniard suffered an anterior cruciate ligament during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast this week, he said: "My aim is to be back in six or seven months."

Oscar Bobb

He sustained a leg injury during pre-season and isn't expected to return until next year. "I think, January or February, he will be ready," revealed Guardiola in October.

Liverpool

Diogo Jota

The Portuguese has not yet returned to full team training after suffering a chest injury during Liverpool's win over Chelsea last month.

Alisson

Despite being back in training after a recent hamstring injury, he was not risked against Southampton last weekend. He is unlikely to start against City.

Kostas Tsimikas

The Greek international remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

Ibrahima Konate

After picking up a knee injury against Real Madrid on Wednesday, Konate wrote on Instagram: "So frustrating to pick up this injury right at the end of a great game on Wednesday night. Now we start the recovery process but one thing I promise is I will come back and be the best I can be once again. Thank you for the amazing support at Anfield. Inshallah we will keep going and I will support the team every step of the way."

Conor Bradley

The 21-year-old is a doubt to face City after picking up an issue during the win over Real Madrid. Slot said: "Still being assessed, so it's difficult to say where they are in terms of the injuries. Let's wait and see, but it is never a good sign... Conor, I had to take him off."

Frederico Chiesa

The Italian has joined in parts of sessions with his team-mates but is yet to make a full return.

Read full news in source page