Eight players ruled out of Liverpool vs Man City as Haaland fitness assessed

Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday in a Premier League fixture carrying extra edge, with both clubs managing injury casualties from the international break and the backdrop of City’s ongoing appeal against 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules.

Liverpool absentees

Strike pair Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will both sit out after picking up problems while on international duty. Isak sustained a thigh injury with Sweden, though manager Andoni Iraola does not expect a lengthy absence. Gakpo, meanwhile, is managing an ankle problem sustained with the Netherlands. “Gakpo has an ankle injury, a matter of him dealing with the pain,” Iraola said.

The two join a longer injury list that includes Hugo Ekitike, who is continuing his recovery from an Achilles injury, and defenders Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, both working their way back from anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. Winger Federico Chiesa, yet to feature this season, is also unlikely to be risked against City, though a return is said to be approaching.

On a more positive note, Iraola confirmed that defender Jeremy Jacquet is fit and available despite his international exertions with France. “He played well, he should be happy but has a long way to go. He is fit and ready to go,” the manager said.

City’s concerns

Manchester City arrive in better health, though they are not without their own absentees. Phil Foden is suspended for the third and final game of a ban earned after being sent off for kicking out towards Bruno Fernandes in last month’s Manchester derby. Full-back Nico O’Reilly, who was injured during England’s Nations League defeat against Spain, returned to the club for further assessment and his availability remains in doubt.

The fitness of Erling Haaland has also been the subject of scrutiny ahead of the fixture, with manager Enzo Maresca expected to provide an update in the build-up to kick-off.

Context

Both sides head into the match on the back of pre-international-break victories. Liverpool edged Bournemouth 1-0, while City maintained a perfect winning record with a 5-3 win over Sunderland. The game is also the first top-flight fixture since an independent commission returned a guilty verdict on City over the 114 financial rule charges; City are appealing the decision, and the reception at Anfield is expected to reflect the mood among Liverpool supporters.