Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Man City head coach Pep Guardiola. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Man City head coach Pep Guardiola. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City have suffered a new injury concern ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool.
The Reds travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Arne Slot is under pressure to deliver a result after a 2-1 loss at Brighton before the international break, which was Liverpool’s 10th Premier League defeat of the season.
With the Reds in a battle to secure Champions League qualification - and Slot facing scrutiny as head coach - silverware would help quieten the detractors. But Liverpool face a City side who are second in the Premier League, with Pep Guardiola’s men getting the better of the Reds in both league meetings.
In addition, Liverpool face an anxious wait over the Mo Salah’s fitness. The winger, who announced he will leave Anfield at the end of the campaign, has a groin issue. In addition, No.1 goalkeeper Alisson Becker could be missing while Alexander Isak may not be back in time as he reaches the end of his recovery from a broken leg. In addition, Federico Chiesa pulled out of Italy’s squad while Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni (both knee) and Wataru Endo (ankle) remain on the treatment table.
However, City could be short of defenders for the tie. Josko Gvardiol remains absent with a tibial fracture while Ruben Dias missed the Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal at Wembley.
And it has been confirmed by England that John Stones has left the Three Lions’ camp before a friendly against Japan. A statement said: “John Stones is returning to Manchester City for assessment after picking up an issue in training prior to Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay.”
Stones was an unused substitute in City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup triumph over Arsenal. Guardiola opted to deploy Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake as his centre-back duo. Stones has endured injuries issues over the past few years and been limited to 15 appearances in all competitions this season.
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