Man City Could Be Missing Two Players vs Liverpool as Pep Guardiola Makes Rodri Admission

Manchester City is gearing up for their crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool this weekend, but Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his side will likely be without two key players. Both Rodri and Mateo Kovacic are expected to miss the match, dealing a blow to the defending champions’ midfield options as they face one of their toughest opponents this season.

Guardiola’s admission came on Friday, when he was asked about Rodri’s fitness ahead of the match. The Spanish midfielder had made his return from injury by coming off the bench against Bournemouth last weekend but was absent from the matchday squad against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League midweek. Guardiola revealed that Rodri’s return would have to be carefully managed, especially with the international break coming up.

“We will see tomorrow, but I think we will not take a risk,” Guardiola said, indicating that the club would not rush Rodri back into action. “The best part of the season is ahead of us, and we need him. We’ll wait until he feels strong, feels fit, and can sustain the actions in the game. It’s about making sure he’s properly prepared for the demands of the matches.”

The absence of Rodri is a significant blow for Manchester City, as he has been one of their most influential players in recent seasons. His control in midfield, defensive contributions, and passing range have made him an indispensable part of Guardiola’s system. However, the City boss remains confident that his team can manage without him for the time being.

In addition to Rodri, Mateo Kovacic will also be sidelined for the game against Liverpool. The Croatian midfielder has been a key acquisition for City this season but has struggled with injuries. Guardiola’s decision to leave both players out of the lineup could leave City with a weakened midfield, which will be tested against Liverpool’s dynamic midfield trio.

As for Liverpool, the match will provide an opportunity for the Reds to capitalize on City’s absences. The absence of Rodri and Kovacic means that Manchester City could lack some of their usual control in the center of the park, which could open up spaces for Liverpool to exploit.

While Manchester City faces challenges, there is a glimmer of good news on the horizon. Alexander Isak, the talented forward who has been nursing an injury, is potentially set to make a return to the matchday squad. However, he will only be available as a substitute if he is deemed fit enough by the coaching staff. Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike, who has impressed in recent weeks, is expected to retain his place in the starting XI.

In terms of goalkeeper updates, Alisson Becker will not be available for this match. However, Liverpool fans can expect him to return to action after the international break, when they face Nottingham Forest. The Brazilian’s absence could be a setback for Liverpool, but backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped up admirably in recent outings.

Injuries continue to affect both teams, and Manchester City is also dealing with the absence of right-back Jeremie Frimpong and winger Giovanni Leoni. Frimpong, who has been a key part of City’s defensive setup, will be out for a few more weeks, while Leoni is facing a longer-term injury. The young winger is set to miss the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury, leaving City thin in attack.

Despite these setbacks, both Guardiola and Liverpool’s Arne Slot are looking forward to what is expected to be an exciting clash between two of the Premier League’s most formidable sides. Slot, who has been analyzing the game closely, expressed his excitement about watching Manchester City vs Liverpool, even if he isn’t directly involved in the match. “It’s always worth watching because you know you’re going to see great football,” Slot said during a recent press briefing.

The rivalry between the two teams is one of the most anticipated in world football, with both clubs boasting an array of world-class players. For Slot, this is a game that exemplifies everything great about football: no time-wasting, no unnecessary tactics to slow the game down, just pure footballing quality. “What I liked about Pep’s teams is that 10 out of 10 times, you get what you’re hoping for: a great game of football,” Slot added.

Guardiola and Slot are two of the most respected tacticians in world football, and their teams will undoubtedly deliver a spectacle this weekend. With key players missing from both sides, the match could provide an opportunity for lesser-known talents to step up and make their mark.

As the Premier League approaches its winter stretch, the outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams’ title aspirations. For Manchester City, the absence of key players like Rodri and Kovacic could be costly, but Guardiola’s belief in his squad’s depth will be tested. On the other hand, Liverpool, led by Slot’s tactical innovations, will look to capitalize on City’s weaknesses and maintain their own momentum in the league.

The game between Manchester City and Liverpool promises to be a thrilling encounter, and while both teams have their injury concerns, fans can expect a high-paced, high-quality battle. As Guardiola and Slot prepare their respective teams, all eyes will be on the Etihad Stadium this weekend to see how this massive clash unfolds.