Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday in what is set to be a red hot atmosphere as Premier League football returns
Erling Haaland during a training session.
Erling Haaland was an injury worry for Manchester City ahead of their game vs Liverpool(Image: Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
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The Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City is set to have a bit more spice to it as league action returns after the international break. The Reds host City on Sunday (4.30pm kick-off).
The match is the first time that teams return to the pitch since news emerged of the guilty verdict given to City over 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules. City are appealing the decision, but Liverpool fans are expected to make their feelings on the situation clear.
Away from off-field matters, both clubs are looking to build on wins before the international break three weeks ago. Liverpool came out as 1-0 winners over Bournemouth, while City continued their 100 per cent winning record with a 5-3 victory over Sunderland.
The break and players on international duties have brought injury worries for both teams. With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest from both treatment rooms.
Liverpool
Iraola has confirmed that striker Alexander Isak will miss the game with a thigh injury suffered while on international duty. He is not expecting the Sweden international to be out of action for long.
He will be joined on the sidelines by Cody Gakpo, who also picked up a problem, while on international duty with the Netherlands. "Gakpo has an ankle injury, a matter of him dealing with the pain," Iraola said.
Cody Gakpo talks to referee Szymon Marciniak during the UEFA Nations League match between Serbia and the Netherlands.
Cody Gakpo picked up an injury while on international duty.(Image: Dijks Media/MB Media/Getty Images)
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The duo will join longer-term absentees Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni in the treatment room. Ekitike is continuing his recovery from an Achilles injury, while Bradley and Leoni are recovering from Anterior Cruciate Ligament ruptures.
Another player who is yet to play this season is winger Federico Chiesa. It seems like he could be returning soon, but the clash against City could come too soon.
In better news for the Reds, Iraola has quashed any injury worries over defender Jeremy Jacquet. "I am happy for him personally, debut with France, that is always tough,” he said.
“He played well, he should be happy but has a long way to go. He is fit and ready to go. He will be fine. We need to train tomorrow."
Man City
City, meanwhile, have what looks like a healthier injury list, with only one certain absentee for the game. But there is doubt over another player.
Full-back Nico O’Reilly suffered an injury in England's Nations League defeat against Spain at the start of the international break. He eventually returned to City for ‘further assessment’.
Phil Foden is certain to miss the match at Anfield as he serves the third game of a three-match suspension following his red card in the Manchester derby last month. The midfielder was sent off after kicking out towards Bruno Fernandes.
One player who Enzo Maresca has confirmed will be available is striker Erling Haaland. There was some worry over the Norwegian after he appeared to ask to be taken off in the second half of Norway’s defeat vs Portugal earlier this week.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Maresca said: “He's good. He went to Marbella, two, three days off, played golf, recovery, and ready for Anfield. He's good. Thank you."