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While Sunday’s encounter between Manchester City and Liverpool may lack the intense title rivalry of past seasons, it remains a crucial match with significant stakes for both parties.

Liverpool seeks to bolster their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League, while Manchester City is under pressure to revive their dwindling hopes of securing a top-four spot.

City will be a wounded beast seeking redemption after being dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid with 6-3 aggregate scoreline midweek.

Liverpool remain unbeaten in 14 away league matches this season, a feat achieved by only five other English top-flight teams historically.

However, their record at the Etihad is concerning: one win in their last 15 visits.

City’s recent 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle showcased that the juggernaut we are used to seeing is still there but their Champions League collapse against Real Madrid revealed defensive frailties, particularly against rapid transitions.

Guardiola’s men have improved since Christmas, winning five of eight league games.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at City’s injury list ahead of the clash

Pep Guardiola confirms injury news ahead of Man City vs LiverpoolErling Haaland – doubt

Erling Haaland’s availability remains in doubt after sustaining a knee injury during training on 15 February, just before Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The Norwegian striker was a late withdrawal from the Premier League match against Newcastle on 16 February and missed both legs of the Champions League tie.

It’s better to have Erling on the pitch – of course with Erling we are stronger,” he said.

John Stones – out

John Stones suffered a thigh strain during Manchester City’s defeat to Real Madrid on this week.

The defender is ruled out after Guardiola suggested surgery may be needed in his pre-match press conference:

“He is injured – a difficult one.

In the next days we will know if he needs surgery or not. It’s the front, his thigh,” he said.

Manuel Akanji – out

Manuel Akanji sustained an adductor injury during the first leg of City’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid on 11 February, subsequently undergoing surgery on 15 February.

The procedure has sidelined the Swiss defender for an estimated 8–10 weeks, with his earliest potential return date set for late April 2025.

This timeline unequivocally rules him out of contention for the Liverpool clash.

Rodri – out

The reigning Ballon D’or holder continues his recovery after suffering an ACL injury last September.

Oscar Bobb – out

Oscar Bobb has been sidelined since suffering a fractured leg during preseason training in August 2024.

While the Norwegian winger returned to partial training in January 2025, Guardiola emphasized that he remains “not yet match-fit” and will require a gradual reintegration process.

Though progressing, Bobb is unlikely to feature against Liverpool given his extended layoff and current fitness levels.

By default, no update on the players Guardiola spoke about means they are still out.

The City boss also praised Liverpool for they level of performance this season, saying:

“Consistency is similar to Jurgen [Klopp].

Lost just one game in the Premier League?

That’s why it is a good test for us.”

Read More: Liverpool possible Champions League quarter-final & semi-final opponents revealed

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