Pep Guardiola has described himself as “desperate” to face Liverpool at the Etihad, but also revealed an injury concern which could impact Man City after Wednesday night.
Man City demolished Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with Phil Foden’s brace and further goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki clinching a 4-1 victory.
But they did so without key midfielder Rodri, with Guardiola revealing before the game that he could not risk his fellow Spaniard.
“He doesn’t feel perfect so that is why we don’t take a risk,” the Man City manager told TNT Sports.
“He will come up so this little, little, little setback makes you realise everything.
“A bit more time to feel good and play football, it doesn’t matter good or bad, knowing that it is fine and he will not be out for a while.”
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - Friday, August 11, 2023: Manchester City's goal-scorer Rodrigo Hernández Cascante 'Rodri' celebrates after the FA Premier League match between Burnley FC and Manchester City FC at Turf Moor. Man City won 3-0. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It remains to be seen, therefore, if Rodri will be fit to play Liverpool only four days after the win over Dortmund at the Etihad.
Man City will certainly be without Mateo Kovacic, with an ankle injury ruling him out for the majority of the season, but there are no other known issues.
Guardiola started with Nico Gonzalez as he deepest midfielder in midweek and he could keep his place for a game his coach is “desperate” to come around.
What Guardiola has made of Liverpool’s form
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, December 1, 2024: Manchester City's manager Josep 'Pep' Guardiola (L) shakes hands with Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Listen, it is a top, top team, they were last season with Arne Slot,” he told his post-match press conference when asked about Liverpool’s recent slump.
“I know I have a special relationship with Jurgen, and what Jurgen did at Liverpool is amazing, but Arne arrived here, won the Premier League the way they want.
“They bought a lot of players, new ones, a lot of them the quality you see is top.
“Anfield, of any opponent I can talk about that, because in 10 years I’ve won there just once. Anfield is Anfield, so it’s difficult there.
3D36DF9 Liverpool, UK. 4th Nov, 2025. Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool celebrates scoring their first goal during the Liverpool vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture credit should read: James Baylis/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News
“Of course it’s a surprise that they lose a lot of games in a row, sometimes it’s the momentum.
“But the reality is all the clubs are there except Arsenal, who are more consistent than anyone, in terms of not conceding goals and not conceding chances. It’s tough, really tough.
“The season is so long, you try to be there and we will see what happens.
“To be honest I’m so excited and happy to see what they are going to prepare for the game on Sunday.
“I’m looking forward, desperately, to play again on Sunday against Liverpool, and we will see what happens.”