Manchester City’s coach admitted key decisions remain unresolved ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool
Pep Guardiola heads into Sunday evening’s trip to Anfield still waiting on several fitness calls, with Manchester City unlikely to know their full availability picture until the final training session before facing Liverpool.
City’s preparation comes on the back of a timely boost in midweek, when they booked their place in the Carabao Cup final.
Goals from Omar Marmoush and Tijjani Reijnders powered a convincing win over Newcastle, completing a 5–1 aggregate semi-final victory and setting up a Wembley date with Arsenal.
“I don’t think I was the only one who wanted that.”
Arne Slot admits disappointment at missing out on Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida.
But he defended Liverpool’s recruitment stance despite mounting defensive injuries.https://t.co/yf2m2tEDUR #SAFC #LFC
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One of the most significant doubts surrounds Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder was left out entirely against Newcastle, with Guardiola previously acknowledging it would be extremely difficult for him to recover in time for the Liverpool fixture. That uncertainty remains.
“I don’t know yet, tomorrow training,” Guardiola said when asked whether Silva could be available for Sunday.
Jérémy Doku is another player still working his way back. The winger missed the Newcastle match after being forced off in the Champions League against Galatasaray.
There was some encouragement in defence. Rúben Dias returned to the matchday squad in midweek after resuming normal first-team training. The centre-back had been sidelined since suffering an injury during January’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, and his reintegration offers Guardiola a measure of stability at the back.
John Stones back in training but City still stretched
Guardiola also confirmed a positive step for John Stones, who has been out for an extended period. The England international has now rejoined full training, though a return to match action appears unlikely at Anfield.
“John made yesterday the first training session with the team. He’s step by step coming back,” Guardiola said.
Despite that progress, caution remains the theme. Alongside Stones, Mateo Kovačić and Savinho were also unavailable against Newcastle, leaving City short of options once again.
Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool represents one of the most demanding assignments of the season. Anfield has rarely been kind to City, and Guardiola knows that even marginal absences can be decisive in such an environment.
Liverpool have been beaten only once in their last 22 Premier League home meetings with Manchester City, recording 14 wins and seven draws at Anfield.
However, after City’s 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium in November, Pep Guardiola’s side are chasing their first league double over Liverpool since the 1936/37 season, which also marked the last time they won successive league matches against the Reds.