The two Premier League sides go head to head this weekend - but some notable names will be missing.
Manchester City v Sunderland - Premier League 2026/27
Erling Haaland came off in the final match of the international break (Image: Getty)
Sunday's Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City promises heightened tension as top-flight action returns following the international break, with the Blues making the journey to Anfield. The encounter represents the first occasion both teams have stepped onto the field since the explosive ruling confirming City's guilt on 114 breaches of Premier League financial regulations. While City are challenging the decision, Liverpool fans are widely anticipated to voice their opinions on the saga in no uncertain terms. Setting aside the off-field drama, both sides will be eager to build upon the momentum gained from their respective triumphs before the three-week pause. Liverpool scraped past Bournemouth 1-0, while City maintained their unblemished winning streak with a commanding 5-3 victory over Sunderland. International commitments have, though, delivered fresh fitness worries for both managers to navigate.
City face a comparatively brief injury list, with just one confirmed absence for the match. A further player's availability, however, remains uncertain. Full-back Nico O'Reilly sustained an injury during England's Nations League loss against Spain at the beginning of the international break, promptly returning to City for 'further assessment'.
Phil Foden is certain to miss the journey to Anfield, completing the third and final fixture of a three-match suspension following his sending-off in last month's Manchester derby. The midfielder saw red after striking out at Bruno Fernandes during last month's Manchester Derby.
One player Enzo Maresca has confirmed will be available for selection is forward Erling Haaland. Questions had been raised about the Norwegian after he appeared to ask to be withdrawn during the second period of Norway's loss to Portugal earlier this week.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."
AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool - Premier League 2026/27
Alexander Isak won't be involved in Sunday's match (Image: Getty)
As for Liverpool, Iraola has confirmed that forward Alexander Isak will be unavailable for the match after picking up a thigh problem while on international duty, though the manager does not expect a prolonged spell out for the Sweden international.
He will be missing alongside Cody Gakpo, who likewise picked up a knock during his spell with the Netherlands squad. "Gakpo has an ankle injury, a matter of him dealing with the pain," Iraola said.
The duo will join long-term injury absentees Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni on the treatment table. Ekitike continues on the path to fitness following an Achilles injury, while Bradley and Leoni are both recovering from Anterior Cruciate Ligament ruptures. Another absentee yet to make an appearance this season is winger Federico Chiesa.
While a comeback looks to be on the cards, the clash against City may come too soon for the Italian. On a brighter note for the Reds, Iraola has moved to quash any doubts surrounding defender Jeremy Jacquet's fitness.
"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."