Liverpool get boost as injury list grows for man city over international break

STONES, DE BRUYNE, KOVACIC - MANCHESTER CITY INJURY LIST FOR LIVERPOOL CLASH 01:00, 18 Nov 2023 Manchester City could be without up to six players for their highly-anticipated clash with

Liverpool. The form of Jurgen Klopp’s side has seen the Reds continually close the gap to top spot, with Liverpool sitting a point behind City in the table. The international break has only

served to build the tension as the two clubs prepare to face off in an intriguing battle at the Etihad on Saturday, November 25. Liverpool’s new-look side will look to record a statement

victory that would truly establish their title credentials. Upon their return to Premier League action, they may face a City side without several key names as Pep Guardiola waits for fitness

updates on a number of his players. READ MORE: EVERTON'S EXPLOSIVE STATEMENT SHOWS WHY LIVERPOOL WILL BE WATCHING MAN CITY SITUATION READ MORE: ANFIELD'S ATMOSPHERE HAS TO CHANGE

- AND I AM PART OF LIVERPOOL'S PROBLEM Here’s a closer look at Manchester City’s current injury list: Starting at the back, John Stones has been left out of the current England squad

due to a muscular injury. Speaking about the versatile defender, who slots into midfield as part of Man City’s system, Guardiola said: "We'll see after the international break. The

doctor said to me it's not bad. I don't know, but I don't want to create tempo [a time-frame]. When he's fit again he'll come back." Nathan Ake is another

centre-back that could be on the sidelines when Liverpool make their way to Manchester. The defender has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad with an unspecified injury. Moving into

midfield, both Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes have not travelled with Croatia and Portugal, respectively, during the international break. In Kovacic’s case, he featured in the second half

of City’s recent 4-4 draw with Chelsea but is ruled to have picked up a muscle injury. Article continues below Manchester City continue to be without midfield talisman Kevin De Bruyne, who

picked up a hamstring injury during the opening game of the season. He is expected to return in the early part of 2024, Explaining De Bruyne’s recovery, Guardiola has said: “He says he feels

really good, but still isn't training or running much. I'd say he's the last one to come back and train with us. I won't say two weeks, one week. We don't put

pressure, the doctors say next step. No pressure, recover, it's not necessary to do the bad decisions to come back early. Step by step." Meanwhile, full-back Sergio Gomez is

expected to return to training, following an ankle sprain. Elsewhere, goalkeeper Ederson picked up a slight foot injury against Chelsea but was able to complete the game.