The latest injury news as Man City host Liverpoolplaceholder image
The latest injury news as Man City host Liverpool | Getty Images/ Canva
The latest team news as Manchester City host Liverpool in a crucial showdown at the top of the Premier League table
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola takes on Liverpool manager Arne Slot in a pivotal contest befitting of the Spaniard's 1,000 game as a manager.In the build-up to the match, Guardiola, who has steered City to six league titles since arriving in 2016, described Liverpool as the greatest rivalry of his career.
"If I was to choose one rival, personal, of course I want to share it with many people but that would be the best," he said, via BBC Sport.
"Liverpool have been the biggest rival in this country so it could not be better to be honest. Jurgen Klopp gave me a lot and I miss him. It was a sense of to beat that guy, how much I have to work and be better. I think we pushed Liverpool to be better and Liverpool pushed us to be better, that's for sure."
The Citizens have a one-point and one-place advantage over the Reds as both look to bridge the gap between themselves and runaway leaders Arsenal.
It’s a rare position for both sides to find themselves in at the same time, having won all of the last eight titles between them, with Chelsea being the last team outside of the City-Liverpool rivalry to win the Premier League back in 2017. Ahead of what promises to be an enthralling battle with huge implications for this season’s title race, we take a look at the latest injury news from both teams.
Mateo Kovačić
Experienced Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovačić is Manchester City’s only absentee for their home clash against Liverpool. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea ace is nursing an ankle problem which is likely to leave him sidelined until at least the new year.
Kovačić has only made two appearances all season which have both been as a substitute. The 2021 Champions League winner is unlikely to feature again until February.
Other than that, however, City have a clean bill of health and little excuse in terms of squad depth. Although Rodri is still short on minutes, having only made a brief cameo return against Bournemouth.
Jeremie Frimpong
Summer signing Jeremie Frimpong, who was once on the books at Manchester City as a youngster, has been ruled out with a hamstring problem. He’s struggled for form and fitness since joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen.
Academy graduate Conor Bradley is one possible option to play at right-back. Another is Dominik Szoboszlai, although his preferred position is central midfield.
Alisson Becker
Arguably the biggest miss of all for Liverpool is No.1 goalkeeper Alisson Becker. He’s regarded as one of the best the league has to offer at this moment in time and has been a vital part in Liverpool’s recent success.
The Brazil international, who competes with former City goalkeeper Ederson for minutes at international level, is out with a hamstring issue as well. It means Giorgi Mamardashvili will get the nod in between the posts.
Giovanni Leoni
Summer signing Giovanni Leoni won’t be fit to play again this season based on early estimates. The Italian is currently struggling with an ACL injury which is expected to be season-ending. It adds more workload to the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and backup option Joe Gomez.
Alexander Isak
He’s a big doubt heading into the match but could potentially make the bench. "He will train for the first time today with the team again, after being three weeks out,” said Slot on Friday.
"I know that I said three weeks ago that his pre-season has ended so now it's time for us to see where he is. But I have to come back to those words, because if you are three weeks only with the rehab, that doesn't bring you back to the levels he was three weeks ago.
Although, our rehab team is doing an incredible job.But you cannot compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team. As much as we try to replicate it, that's simply not possible. So, again I have to say, give him some time."
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