
Liverpool gains ground on Man City as Pep Guardiola’s injury list gets longer due to the international break.
Stones, De Bruyne, and Kovacic are among Manchester City’s injured players for the Liverpool match.
Manchester City could be without up to six players for their highly-anticipated clash with Liverpool.
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.
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 make 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 The defender has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad with an unspecified injury.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 travelled 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 continue 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.
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Luis Diaz Barcelona transfer claim made as Liverpool forward makes emotional statement
Your morning Liverpool headlines including latest Luis Diaz transfer rumours as his father speaks out.
Luis Daiz’s father has spoken out on the reports linking the Liverpool forward with Barcelona.
Despite the turmoil that the 26-year-old was subjected to in his personal life, Diaz still managed to salvage a point for Liverpool with a late goal against Luton earlier this month, upon his return to the team.
His two goals for Colombia further highlight why the former Porto forward has become a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
His performances have led to shock claims that Barcelona could be interested in signing the Liverpool forward.
Diaz’s father was asked about his son possibly moving to Barcelona in the future and admitted that he has always been a supporter of the Catalan giants.
“[The] truth is that I know very little about Barcelona at the moment,” Diaz Snr. told Win Sports, as reported by Sport Witness.
“It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there. So far I would like to thank Porto and Liverpool for the way they welcomed him and received him.”
Luis Diaz makes emotional statement and sends Alisson message after stunning display
Luis Diaz has highlighted the support from Liverpool team-mate Alisson following his inspirational performance for Colombia against Brazil.
Alisson Becker was in goal for Brazil after Ederson pulled out with an ankle injury. Despite the defeat, the shot-stopper embraced Diaz as the cameras caught the exchange between the Reds teammates.
“Alisson very happy, he is a great person. He accompanied me in the last 15 days, he is a great human being and he helped me get through this difficult moment,” Diaz said speaking after their win.
“Thank God, we have gone through hard times, but like life, we deserved this victory because we have made a great process , not only us players, but also the coach. Dedicate the victory to the people.”
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