According to a report from Liverpool Echo, Manchester City have encountered a dual injury concern ahead of Liverpool clash while Pep Guardiola braces for an anxious wait on the other players in the treatment room. The English players have endured severe cuts following their match on North Macedonia’s challenging pitch this midweek adding on to the injury concerns already at the Etihad.
Injury Update On Manchester City
Following England’s international fixture on Monday night in North Macedonia, Man City’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden suffered significant cuts due to the poor condition of the pitch. Despite recent re-laying efforts at the Tose Proeski Arena after previous criticism, the surface still garnered dissatisfaction. Post the 1-1 draw, members of Gareth Southgate’s team lamented the pitch’s sandy and stony nature.
Grealish disclosed that both he and Foden acquired cuts and scrapes due to the subpar surface. “I have cuts all over,” stated the Manchester City midfielder, expressing his astonishment at the acceptance of such pitches. “There were small stones scattered everywhere. Phil cut his hand because of them, but unfortunately, encountering such conditions is part of the challenge in some places.”
On top of this, John Stones has been ruled out for a long period due to a muscular injury, and it is currently unclear when the England international could be available for selection. Additionally, Matheus Nunes was not involved for Portugal over the international break due to a muscular problem and Mateo Kovacic had encountered a thigh problem against Chelsea, which leaves both of them doubtful for the game against the Reds.
What Changes Can We Expect From Guardiola In The Starting XI?
Saturday afternoon sees Manchester City hosting Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, seeking to regain their winning form. The Citizens engaged in an electrifying 4-4 draw against Chelsea before the international break, positioning them atop the table with 28 points, just one ahead of Liverpool in second place.
Pep Guardiola’s squad boasts a record of nine wins, one draw, and two losses in their 12 league fixtures this season. Securing a victory on Saturday would extend their lead to four points, consolidating their position at the top. It is an extremely crucial match for both sides with Jurgen Klopp given the opportunity to capitalise on the injury situation at Etihad.
Yet, Guardiola has navigated similar scenarios adeptly and will likely address this challenge effectively. With considerable depth in the attacking lineup, the Spaniard might opt for a three-man defense to unleash an offensive strategy, focusing on Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess. Given injury worries in wide positions and midfield areas, the Norwegian international is expected to shoulder a significant workload.
