First meets second at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday as Manchester City host Liverpool in the early kick off.
Having suffered a poor campaign last year, Jurgen Klopp’s side have made themselves challengers once again this term with an impressive run of form in the top flight. The Merseysiders have lost just once all season in the Premier League and are a point behind Pep Guardiola’s City.
The Blues have suffered no hangover from their historic Treble campaign and are leading the way at the top. But, both City and Liverpool are contending with injuries to key players ahead of the meeting in Manchester.
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READ MORE: Stones has made himself crucial to two teams
MEN Sport has rounded up the injury news and return dates for both sides ahead of the big game.
Man City injury news
Erling Haaland
Injury: Ankle
What we know: The Norwegian talisman is in a race against the clock to be fit in time for the game this weekend. Norway’s head coach Stale Solbakken suggested the injury was not as bad as first feared by claiming he could have played Scotland ‘if it was a final’.
Potential return date: November 25 vs Liverpool
Rodri
Injury: Unknown
What we know: City’s key central midfielder missed the first game of Spain’s international break but managed 86 minutes vs Georgia this week.
Potential return date: November 25 vs Liverpool
John Stones
Injury: Muscular
What we know: Fears grew for Stones when he picked up another muscular issue prior to the international break. Guardiola has indicated though the concern is not as bad as first feared.
Potential return date: Unknown
Matheus Nunes
Injury: Unknown
What we know: Nunes was declared ‘clinically unfit’ to play for Portugal during the break which leaves him a major doubt for Saturday.
Potential return date: Unknown
Ederson
Injury: Foot
What we know: City’s No.1 withdrew from the Brazil squad this month after suffering a foot complaint against Chelsea. The decision is believed to have been taken as a precaution.
Potential return date: November 25 vs Liverpool
Mateo Kovacic
Injury: Muscular
What we know: After the Chelsea game, Kovacic picked up a muscular injury which kept him out of this international break and he is unlikely to be fit for the weekend.
Potential return date: December
Nathan Ake
Injury: Unknown
What we know: Ake missed the trip to face former club Chelsea and also withdrew from the Netherlands squad.
Potential return date: Unknown
Sergio Gomez
Injury: Ankle
What we know: The Belgian suffered a sprain to his ankle and should be fit if called upon this weekend.
Potential return date: November 25 vs Liverpool
Kevin De Bruyne
Injury: Hamstring
What we know: City’s only confirmed long-term injury concern is believed to have played his last football of 2023 after suffering the muscular injury on the opening weekend. Guardiola recently confirmed he is close to a return to light training.
Potential return date: January
Liverpool injury news
Ibrahima Konate
Injury: Hamstring
What we know: The defender withdrew from the French national team during the break with Didier Deschamps claiming he would have only returned for training this past weekend.
Potential return date: November 25 vs Manchester City
Curtis Jones
Injury: Hamstring
What we know: Liverpool’s youngster suffered a ‘low-grade’ muscular issue at the beginning of the month and he is well on his way to recovery.
Potential return date: November 25 vs Manchester City
Ryan Gravenberch
Injury: Knee
What we know: Gravenberch suffered a knee complaint to curtail any positive momentum from the beginning to his Liverpool career. But, he is now firmly on the mend.
Potential return date: November 25 vs Manchester City
Conor Bradley
Injury: Stress fracture
What we know: Bradley suffered the severe injury during pre-season but is on his way back, albeit he is unlikely to be part of the squad to face City.
Potential return date: November 30 vs LASK
Joe Gomez
Injury: Unknown
What we know: Former Charlton defender Gomez missed out on Liverpool’s victory over Brentford prior to the break which came as a shock to supporters. No further news on his complaint has been forthcoming.
Potential return date: Unknown
Thiago Alcantara
Injury: Hip
What we know: Liverpool’s long-term absentee has not featured since April and is not going to return this weekend at the Etihad.
Potential return date: January
Andy Robertson
Injury: Shoulder
What we know: The full-back continues to recover from the surgery to repair his dislocated shoulder. Saturday will be too soon for him to return.
Potential return date: January
The Puma home shirt features the traditional sky blue colour but has slightly darker blue detailed stripes across the front which take inspiration from the Etihad Stadium’s walkways. City moved to their new home from Maine Road in 2003 and the shirt honours that anniversary.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
