'Desperate' Guardiola Claims Man City Injury Fear for Liverpool

Pep Guardiola has described himself as “desperate” to face Liverpool at the Etihad, but also revealed an injury concern which could impact Man City after Wednesday night.

Man City demolished Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with Phil Foden’s brace and further goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki clinching a 4-1 victory.

But they did so without key midfielder Rodri, with Guardiola revealing before the game that he could not risk his fellow Spaniard.

“He doesn’t feel perfect so that is why we don’t take a risk,” the Man City manager told TNT Sports.

“He will come up so this little, little, little setback makes you realise everything.

“A bit more time to feel good and play football, it doesn’t matter good or bad, knowing that it is fine and he will not be out for a while.”

It remains to be seen, therefore, if Rodri will be fit to play Liverpool only four days after the win over Dortmund at the Etihad.

Man City will certainly be without Mateo Kovacic, with an ankle injury ruling him out for the majority of the season, but there are no other known issues.

Guardiola started with Nico Gonzalez as he deepest midfielder in midweek and he could keep his place for a game his coach is “desperate” to come around.

What Guardiola has made of Liverpool’s form

“Listen, it is a top, top team, they were last season with Arne Slot,” he told his post-match press conference when asked about Liverpool’s recent slump.

“I know I have a special relationship with Jurgen, and what Jurgen did at Liverpool is amazing, but Arne arrived here, won the Premier League the way they want.

“They bought a lot of players, new ones, a lot of them the quality you see is top.

“Anfield, of any opponent I can talk about that, because in 10 years I’ve won there just once. Anfield is Anfield, so it’s difficult there.

“Of course it’s a surprise that they lose a lot of games in a row, sometimes it’s the momentum.

“But the reality is all the clubs are there except Arsenal, who are more consistent than anyone, in terms of not conceding goals and not conceding chances. It’s tough, really tough.

“The season is so long, you try to be there and we will see what happens.

“To be honest I’m so excited and happy to see what they are going to prepare for the game on Sunday.

“I’m looking forward, desperately, to play again on Sunday against Liverpool, and we will see what happens.”

Click here to read article