Liverpool may have been given a huge boost in terms of availability for an upcoming clash with Manchester City, with the Manchester derby having a few flash points.
Phil Foden of Manchester City injures Bruno Fernandes of Manchester Utd and is shown a red card during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City
Phil Foden could miss out on the clash with Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images))
Liverpool may have received a huge boost ahead of its upcoming clash with Manchester City, as Phil Foden could be banned for the match after the international break.
The playmaker was involved in a controversial moment during the Manchester derby between Manchester City and Manchester United, as he clashed with Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes.
The United captain appeared to foul Foden, and then seemingly kicked out at the City star on the floor. In an act of possible retaliation, Foden appeared to kick out with both feet in the air towards Fernandes' stomach, sending the midfielder to the floor, rolling around in pain.
Match referee Michael Oliver produced a straight red card for the Man City ace, putting Enzo Maresca's side at a disadvantage during the trip to Old Trafford, while the repercussions are set to be felt beyond the match.
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The red card was deemed to be for violent conduct, as Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision, stating: "The referee’s call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR."
It then quoted Michael Oliver as saying: "Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno [Fernandes]," with the VAR responding: "That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47."
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A standard ban for violent conduct is often deemed as three matches. If that is confirmed, then Foden will miss Man City's upcoming matches with Norwich City in the EFL Cup, before a home match with Sunderland in the Premier League.
After the international break, a final match suspension would then be served against Liverpool at Anfield in October, in a decision that could prove to be a boost for the Reds.
Manchester City has a chance to appeal the decision, which could remove the ban altogether, though it remains to be seen if it will do so, as "frivolous" appeals can incur extra games on top of the ban.
Phil Foden of Manchester City reacts as he is sent off by Referee Michael Oliver during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City
Phil Foden saw red for Manchester City against Manchester United(Image: (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))
If Foden is banned for that length of time, then Liverpool will head into the game with one less threat to worry about, in what will prove to be a real test of Andoni Iraola's side.
The Reds have started the season somewhat sluggishly in the Premier League, picking up one win and three draws in the division, impacted by a team that doesn't quite look settled in all departments.
Man City will prove a different quality to break down, which may well suit Iraola and his team more, or it could send the manager back to the drawing board.
Before then, Liverpool has matches with Tottenham in the EFL Cup and Bournemouth in the Premier League to come before then and the international break.