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Manchester City will be looking to keep pace with Arsenal in the Premier League title race as they travel to Liverpool on Sunday with both sides having injury concerns
Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola exchange pleasantries
Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola have injury issues to worry about in their squads (Image: (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images))
Below is a look at the injuries facing both Liverpool and Manchester City with 11 players in total potentially missing Sunday's game...
A defensive reinforcement is close for Liverpool as Joe Gomez is in contention to return from a recent groin injury. However, Arne Slot has clarified that while Gomez may be available for the bench, his condition does not yet allow him to start.
The Reds will be without Jeremie Frimpong after the Dutch international suffered a thigh injury that will sideline him for several weeks. While the medical staff noted the prognosis was better than expected, he remains unavailable for this weekend’s selection.
Forward Alexander Isak remains a long-term absentee as he continues his recovery from surgery on a broken leg and ankle. He is joined on the sidelines by teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni, who is out until next season following an ACL injury.
Liverpool's defensive depth is further tested by the loss of Conor Bradley, who is expected to miss the remainder of the season. The young defender underwent surgery recently after sustaining a serious knee injury during a draw against Arsenal.
Manchester City’s defensive outlook has improved slightly with the return of Ruben Dias to the first-team squad. The Portuguese international travelled with the team last week and was included in the matchday squad for Wednesday’s fixture.
In contrast, John Stones remains a concern for City as his return from injury is described as a "slow burner" process. The club is taking a cautious approach with the veteran defender who has been unavailable since early December.
The visitors are also missing Savinho due to a thigh injury, though there is hope he could return to action later this month. Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku is a fresh concern after being forced off with a calf injury during a Champions League tie.
Finally, Josko Gvardiol continues to recover from a broken leg sustained at the start of the year, leaving a gap in City's defence. He is joined in the treatment room by Mateo Kovacic, who remains out with a long-term ankle injury.
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