Pep Guardiola confirms potential Man City injury blow ahead of Liverpool clash | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola injury update sets scene for Liverpool clash

Pep Guardiola has offered a typically measured injury update as Manchester City prepare to head to Anfield on Sunday evening, a fixture that rarely needs extra narrative but has plenty this time around. Liverpool, now under Arne Slot, have endured a season that has veered between coherence and confusion, though the 4-1 win over Newcastle has restored a sense of momentum and purpose ahead of this meeting.

City arrive on Merseyside aware that margins are thin. With Arsenal setting the pace, every dropped point carries weight, and the memory of the 3-0 victory over Liverpool earlier in the campaign remains fresh. This feels like one of those games that shapes how the run in is viewed rather than deciding anything outright.

Liverpool form under Arne Slot

Liverpool’s campaign has been uneven, yet not without substance. Slot has already delivered a Premier League title in his first season, and while this year has lacked that same rhythm, there is still a recognisable structure to what he wants. Anfield remains a place where belief can return quickly, particularly after a convincing result like the win over Newcastle.

Photo: IMAGO

There is also a sense that Liverpool are still calibrating, balancing tactical ideas with personnel that is adapting to new demands. Slot confirmed Joe Gomez has returned from injury and could feature on the bench, which offers some defensive flexibility. Others remain unavailable, leaving Liverpool slightly stretched but not devoid of options.

Man City injury concerns before Anfield test

For Manchester City, Guardiola’s focus has been less on psychology and more on availability. Bernardo Silva is an “incredible doubt” following a muscle issue, and while the midfielder is eager to be involved, City are waiting on how he responds in training. Guardiola addressed the situation plainly.

“We don’t know [about Bernardo] yet, tomorrow training,” Pep said in his pre match news conference.

Ruben Dias has returned to full training, though questions remain over whether he is ready to start in a fixture of this intensity. Guardiola struck a cautiously optimistic tone.

“[Dias] is back, we’ll see if he plays minutes but it’s good news for us.”

John Stones has only recently rejoined group sessions, and Guardiola emphasised patience.

“John [Stones] made yesterday his first training with the team. Step by step he is coming back.”

Jeremy Doku remains absent, removing a direct threat out wide, while Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic are also expected to miss out.

Pep Guardiola balancing risk and necessity

Guardiola’s challenge is familiar, managing fitness without undermining control. Against Liverpool, particularly at Anfield, that balance becomes sharper. City can dominate possession, but they also need stability in defensive transitions, something harder to guarantee when players are short of rhythm.

This is where Guardiola’s selections will be revealing. A cautious approach might protect bodies, but City also know that passivity rarely survives in this stadium. Liverpool, buoyed by recent results, will sense vulnerability if City hesitate.

Sunday’s meeting may not define the title race, but it will clarify intentions. Liverpool want to prove consistency, City want to assert authority, and Guardiola’s injury update reminds everyone that fine details often shape the biggest games.