Pep Guardiola reveals double Manchester City injury blow before Liverpool clash
Liverpool have been handed a double injury boost ahead of the Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
Arne Slot‘s side could have their margin at the summit reduced to five points by the time they kick off at the Etihad Stadium on 23 February after the 2-2 draw to Aston Villa (19 February).
Pep Guardiola will be looking for a response from his team after the dismal Champions League exit to Real Madrid.
However, he may be without two key players when the Citizens host the Merseysiders looking to dent their Premier League title hopes.
Pep Guardiola gives Erling Haaland update ahead of Liverpool contest
Speaking in his pre-match press conference (21 February) ahead of the clash, the Spaniard confirmed that John Stones will miss the game and Erling Haaland is a doubt to feature.
The England international is set to be sidelined for the contest and when asked about his availability, Guardiola said: “He’s injured, difficult one, next hours or days we will know whether he needs surgery or not.”
On Haaland, he said: “I don’t know yet. Tomorrow we will know it but I don’t know.”
Liverpool need to beat Manchester City
With 12 matches to go in the title race, the Reds hold an eight-point advantage but the Gunners have a game-in-hand against struggling West Ham and the gap could be five points on Sunday before kick-off.
Slot’s side must win at the Etihad for the first time since the 2015/16 season in Jurgen Klopp’s maiden campaign, otherwise Mikel Arteta’s side will be right behind them and their 84 per cent chance to become champions, according to the Opta Analyst supercomputer will drop considerably.
If the gap is reduced any further due to the L4 outfit dropping points, it could turn the clash between the sides on 10 May into a title decider.
| Premier League standings | Played | GD | Points |
| Liverpool | 26 | +36 | 61 |
| Arsenal | 25 | +29 | 53 |
The Merseysiders must ensure that Arteta’s side does not get the chance to close the gap to a point where that game could swing the title picture in their favour if they get a victory at Anfield.
If Manchester City are without both Stones and Haaland then the Reds have no excuse to not secure a victory given the hosts’ abysmal form this season.
The champions-elect will be hoping to compound Guardiola’s misery and continue their march towards the title and if they manage to beat his side it will put a huge marker down for Arsenal.