In the lead-up to one of the Premier League’s most anticipated clashes, Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is set to miss the pivotal match against Liverpool at Anfield due to injury, casting a shadow over Pep Guardiola’s preparations.
However, the spotlight intensifies on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, as they navigate a more severe injury crisis with at least nine key players sidelined, ahead of the crucial showdown.
Manchester City will venture to Anfield without the services of Jack Grealish, after the winger succumbed to a groin injury during an FA Cup encounter with Luton Town last week.
The scene of Grealish being consoled by his teammates as he exited the pitch underlined the gravity of his condition, leaving City fans anxious about his return.
The Manchester Evening News confirmed the English international’s absence, marking a significant blow to City’s attacking dynamics.
However, given that he only has three goals and two assists this season, Grealish, who cost £100 million in 2021, may not be that big a loss.
Liverpool, meanwhile are certain to be without nine players.
They are:
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alisson Becker
Diogo Jota
Joel Matip
Curtis Jones
Thiago Alcantara
Stefan Bajcetic
Ryan Gravenberch
Ben Doak
That’s just the players that have zero chance of featuring no matter what happens.
But Jurgen Klopp could be without more of his key players if they don’t pass late fitness tests.
Who else is an injury doubt to face Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday?
That will depend on what happens on Thursday in the Europa League but Mohamed Salah is also a doubt to face Man City at Anfield on Sunday:
Salah – Small chance of returning. Jurgen Klopp said he was not “too far off” from playing against Nottingham Forest. He may even get a few minutes against Sparta Praha to prepare for the weekend.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and match-winner Darwin Nunez all returned against Notts Forest on Saturday and are likely to start against City on Sunday.
Klopp and his coaching staff will be hoping for something of a miracle injury-wise before kickoff at Anfield but if the way Liverpool seem to be able to win games regardless of the circumstances this season, it’s Man City who should be worried.
How serious are the injuries sidelining Liverpool’s nine injured stars?
Among the notable absences, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury is particularly impactful. The right-back’s contributions were instrumental in salvaging a point against City in their last encounter, and his absence leaves a gaping hole in Liverpool’s defence.
Conor Bradley, despite showing promise, will face a stern test against Guardiola’s seasoned squad.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alisson Becker are also sidelined until April, with the latter’s injury described as one that “will really take time” to heal. Alisson’s absence is a substantial loss, although backup keeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been lauded as a world-class replacement by his teammates.
Curtis Jones adds to Liverpool’s midfield woes, with an injury keeping him out of action until April, further straining Klopp’s options in the center of the park.
The attacking department doesn’t fare much better, with Diogo Jota and Stefan Bajcetic facing indefinite sidelines due to severe injuries. Moreover, Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, and Ben Doak have been ruled out for the remainder of the season, significantly depleting Liverpool’s defensive, midfield, and attacking resources.
