An injury problem has befallen Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team just before their crucial match against Liverpool.
The Premier League’s top two teams square off at the Etihad on Saturday morning.
Champions City lead the Reds by a point going into the big game, but they know that a loss could send them as low as sixth if things don’t go their way.
However, they might be missing up to five first team players going into the match at the top of the standings due to long-term injuries sustained by Sergio Gomez, John Stones, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Erling Haaland, the goal machine who has already scored 17 goals this season across all competitions, is one of those talents who may be out of the picture.
The 23-year-old was sidelined for Sunday’s 3-3 draw against Scotland after suffering an ankle hurt while playing for Norway internationally.
Stale Solbakken, the manager of Norway, made the following statement regarding his injury: “It’s not a serious injury; it’s the movement in his foot that is the problem.”
“I don’t know [whether he would have continued to risk playing] if it had been a final. Everyone agrees that while it may be a bit early, the injury does not pose a threat to one’s career.”
In the closing moments of City’s 4–4 tie with Chelsea, Ederson, the goalkeeper, suffered a minor injury to his ankle and had to withdraw from the Brazil squad.
Rodrigo Lasmar, the team doctor for Brazil, said: “The player and Manchester City’s medical department got in contact after the game.
“He had a foot injury in the closing minutes of the game, but he was still able to play, even though the agony got worse. Walking became challenging due to the swelling foot.”
Mateo Kovacic, Nathan Ake, Matheus Nunes, and Haaland have all experienced personal hardships in addition to Ederson and Haaland.
In order to get the three points, Guardiola will need to make adjustments to his team if all five players are sidelined.
Between the sticks, Stefan Ortega would replace Ederson; since joining the league a year ago, the German backup has established himself as one of the best.
Guardiola might decide to play in a 3-2-4-1 configuration, much like he did in the draw away at Stamford Bridge.
Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and Kyle Walker might make up a back three if Ake is sidelined.
Furthermore, natural defender Manuel Akanji may once more play alongside Rodri as a defensive midfielder as Nunes and Kovacic are both expected to be sidelined.
After that, Jack Grealish might be brought back into the starting lineup to partner Bernardo Silva in an advanced central role, with Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku assigned to the flanks.
The World Cup champion Julian Alvarez would therefore be expected to lead the charge if Haaland were to miss his first Premier League match of the season.
Playing behind Haaland this season, Alvarez has been in excellent form, with five assists and seven goals in 18 appearances across all competitions.
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