Liverpool get Man City boost as injury list grows for Pep Guardiola over international break

The form of Jurgen Klopp’s side has seen the Reds continually close the gap to top spot, with Liverpool sitting a point behind City in the table. The international break has only served to build the tension as the two clubs prepare to face off in an intriguing battle at the Etihad on Saturday, November 25.

Liverpool’s new-look side will look to record a statement victory that would truly establish their title credentials. Upon their return to Premier League action, they may face a City side without several key names as Pep Guardiola waits for fitness updates on a number of his players.

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Here’s a closer look at Manchester City’s current injury list:

Starting at the back, John Stones has been left out of the current England squad due to a muscular injury. Speaking about the versatile defender, who slots into midfield as part of Man City’s system, Guardiola said: “We’ll see after the international break. The doctor said to me it’s not bad. I don’t know, but I don’t want to create tempo [a time-frame]. When he’s fit again he’ll come back.”

Nathan Ake is another centre-back that could be on the sidelines when Liverpool makes their way to Manchester. The defender has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad with an unspecified injury.

Moving into midfield, both Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes have not traveled with Croatia and Portugal, respectively, during the international break. In Kovacic’s case, he featured in the second half of City’s recent 4-4 draw with Chelsea but is ruled to have picked up a muscle injury.

Manchester City continues to be without midfield talisman Kevin De Bruyne, who picked up a hamstring injury during the opening game of the season. He is expected to return in the early part of 2024,

Explaining De Bruyne’s recovery, Guardiola has said: “He says he feels really good, but still isn’t training or running much. I’d say he’s the last one to come back and train with us. I won’t say two weeks, one week. We don’t put pressure, the doctors say next step. No pressure, recover, it’s not necessary to do the bad decisions to come back early. Step by step.”

Meanwhile, full-back Sergio Gomez is expected to return to training, following an ankle sprain. Elsewhere, goalkeeper Ederson picked up a slight foot injury against Chelsea, but was able to complete the game.