Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday (4.30pm kick-off) in the first Premier League match since the guilty verdict was delivered to City over 114 breaches of financial rules. City are appealing the decision, and Liverpool fans are expected to make their feelings on the matter clear.
Both clubs are looking to build on wins from before the international break three weeks ago. Liverpool beat Bournemouth 1-0, while City continued their 100 per cent winning record with a 5-3 victory over Sunderland.
Liverpool's injury list grows
Liverpool will be without striker Alexander Isak, who suffered a thigh injury while on international duty with Sweden. He is not expected to be out of action for long. Cody Gakpo is also sidelined after picking up an ankle problem while away with the Netherlands. "Gakpo has an ankle injury, a matter of him dealing with the pain," said the manager.
The duo join longer-term absentees Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni in the treatment room. Ekitike is recovering from an Achilles injury, while Bradley and Leoni are recovering from Anterior Cruciate Ligament ruptures. Federico Chiesa, who has yet to play this season, could be close to a return but the City clash may come too soon.
In better news, defender Jeremy Jacquet is fit and ready to go after making his France debut. "I am happy for him personally, debut with France, that is always tough," the manager said. "He played well, he should be happy but has a long way to go. He is fit and ready to go. He will be fine."
City's team news and Haaland boost
Manchester City have a healthier injury list, with only one certain absentee. Full-back Nico O'Reilly suffered an injury in England's Nations League defeat against Spain and returned to City for 'further assessment'. Phil Foden is certain to miss the match as he serves the third game of a three-match suspension following his red card in the Manchester derby.
Erling Haaland is available, despite concern after he appeared to ask to be taken off in the second half of Norway's defeat against Portugal. "He's good. He went to Marbella, two, three days off, played golf, recovery, and ready for Anfield. He's good. Thank you," said the City manager.
