Alexander Isak has struggled since his British-record move to Liverpool on deadline day.placeholder image
Alexander Isak has struggled since his British-record move to Liverpool on deadline day. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Man City could be without one player on Sunday, whereas Liverpool could be missing four names.
Man City will be hoping to go into the international break bearing down the neck of league leaders Arsenal. They are currently second in the Premier League, six points off the Gunners, and could potentially close the gap if they win this weekend.
However, it doesn’t get any easier for Pep Guardiola’s side are they welcome rivals Liverpool to the Etihad. It is the first meeting between the pair this season, and will be a good barometer as to where each side is at heading into the November break.
City’s next five games include match-ups against Newcastle, Leeds United, Fulham and more, and so they will hope to continue their momentum by getting all three points against Arne Slot’s side. Both teams have a couple of injuries to worry about, with Liverpool potentially missing four players, and Man City missing one.
Liverpool injury news
The Reds have three players already ruled out of the game at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon. The first of which is summer signing Giovanni Leoni, who was ruled out for the rest of the season in September as he suffered an ACL injury, which required surgery, meaning he will be a long-term absence.
Other than Leoni, Liverpool continues to be without star goalkeeper Alisson, who is recovering from a hamstring injury that he suffered in October. He will be hopeful to return after the international break, however, meaning he could be available for games against Nottingham Forest, PSV and West Ham.
Jeremie Frimpong will also miss the Reds’ trip to the Etihad on Sunday, as he suffered a hamstring injury at the end of October. It means that Slot has a real lack of depth at right-back, with Conor Bradley now seemingly the only sensible choice at the position. That could be good news for the likes of Jeremy Doku, who will be playing down that side for Man City.
Finally, striker Alexander Isak is a doubt for the game, as the former Newcastle star is dealing with a groin issue. Slot gave an update on Isak during midweek when Liverpool faced Real Madrid, he said: “With Alex, we have to wait and see. Definitely not starting on Sunday, but maybe he can be involved in the squad. He is still not training with the team, so we have to wait and see.” - So it seems he could play, but only coming on from the bench. Hugo Ekitike will likely start up front.
Liverpool players ruled out: Leoni, Alisson, Frimpong
Liverpool players in doubt: Isak
Man City injury news
The Cityzens have a lot less to worry about in terms of injury problems, as Guardiola will only be without one player on Sunday afternoon, unless any issues happen in training before the weekend.
Mateo Kovacic is the only player listed as injured for Man City, as he is dealing with an ankle injury that will likely keep him out until the latter stages of the season, when he could prove to be very useful for City’s depth in midfield.
Guardiola said this week: “He will be out for a while... He still has a problem with the ankle; a little calcification [is] still there. We'll wait on him for the last part of the season.”
Man City players ruled out: Mateo Kovacic
Man City players in doubt: N/a
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