Manchester City are back in action on Sunday after a long international break. The club takes on Liverpool, but besides the ongoing off-pitch issues (the charges, of course), the Blues are dealing with many players dealing with injury concerns.
City's future hangs in the balance, though. While this team was hoping to compete for a title, it now feels like every point will be crucial to be able to survive a potentially massive points deduction.
A fate would have it, City face Liverpool away from home in their first game since the guilty verdict was delivered, and they are sure to get a nasty reception at Anfield, given that their success over recent years has regularly denied Liverpool success. The Reds fans are likely to feel cheated, at least while the verdict remains as it is amid an ongoing appeal.
Manchester City players out or in doubt versus Liverpool
Phil Foden - Out (Suspended)
Foden remains suspended after his red card for violent conduct in the derby.
Antonio Semenyo - Doubt
Semenyo has been dealing with an ankle injury and will be in doubt.
Nico O'Reilly - Doubt
Thomas Tuchel said last week, "They missed training because of minor issues, but they are still issues. Today, in the morning, we had a light training for the guys who started the (Spain) game. The very last checks will be made tomorrow morning. If the doctors and physios give thumbs up, then we're good to go."
O'Reilly wasn't cleared after that, so he will go down as a doubt for now.
Liverpool players out or in doubt versus Manchester City
Hugo Ekitike - Out
Ekitike will not return from his Achilles issue until some time in December.
Conor Bradley - Out
Bradley remains out after his serious knee injury, and he won't return until late November. Iraola said before the break: "I think he is not close to training with the team. He’s training alone, but he has started touching the ball. Definitely, I want him ready as quickly as possible."
Giovanni Leoni - Out
Leoni is returning to training after a long knee layoff of his own, but he won't be close to playing just yet. Iraola said before the break: "I think the next one probably should be Giovanni Leoni. I think the plan is also to start training during the [international] break, with the group."
Federico Chiesa - Doubt
Chiesa is hoping to finally return from a back issue.
Alexander Isak - Doubt
Isak picked up a small issue on international duty with Sweden and will be in doubt. Graham Potter said, "He's got a small problem with his thigh. 'It's not big, but because of the amount of games we've got in a small space of time, he won't be able to make those."
Cody Gakpo - Doubt
Gakpo has an ankle injury, and we will have to wait for more information on his current state.
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