Manchester City take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday in what is a crucial Premier League fixture for Pep Guardiola’s side. City will not want to fall further than six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal after this weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures. Typically, City don’t fare well at Anfield, so this new-look City side will have to defy recent history to pick up three points against Arne Slot’s side. Heading into Sunday’s match, Pep Guardiola has shared an update on the injury status of a host of players. City could regain Ruben Dias for the match against Liverpool, although Bernardo Silva remains in doubt for the match at Anfield.
Ruben Dias has trained all week and could return to the pitch against Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola fronted the media yesterday in his pre-game press conference ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool. The Manchester City manager told the media that Ruben Dias is available for Sunday’s match, but he was unsure if Dias would start against Liverpool. Speaking on Ruben Dias, Pep Guardiola said: “Dias is back. We’ll see if he plays minutes but it’s good news for us.”
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Manchester City have missed Ruben Dias and the leadership he provides ever since their defensive leader sustained a hamstring injury. Dias went down injured during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at the beginning of January. He has subsequently missed Manchester City’s past nine matches due to injury. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Dias start against Liverpool given the leadership he provides Pep Guardiola’s side. City have missed this aspect of Ruben Dias’ play over the past nine matches.
Bernardo Silva remains in doubt for Sunday’s match while a forgotten defender has finally returned to training.
Pep Guardiola also revealed that he remains unsure if Bernardo Silva will play against Liverpool. The Manchester City captain missed Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Newcastle in midweek due to injury. He does look to be in doubt for Sunday’s match. Speaking on Bernardo Silva’s availability, Guardiola said: “We don’t know [about Bernardo] yet, tomorrow training.”
Lastly, Guardiola added that John Stones has finally returned to training. Stones had been sidelined for a significant period of time due to injury. Although it is unlikely that Stones will be in the City squad against Liverpool, however, it is good news that Stones is finally back training. Speaking on Stones, Pep Guardiola said: “John [Stones] made yesterday his first training with the team. Step-by-step he is coming back.”
Manchester City could be boosted by the return of Ruben Dias for their crucial Premier League fixture against Liverpool. He has been missed over the past nine matches, and if he does start at Anfield, his leadership will be a massive boost for Pep Guardiola’s side. Bernardo Silva remains in doubt for the match, and it would seem unlikely that he will play against a team that he despises. The news of John Stones returning to training is good news, although his return to the pitch is likely some way off just yet.
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