Liverpool are about to test Pep Guardiola long-standing philosophy as Man City injury list grows
It is being billed as the biggest game of the season so far.
When Liverpool make the trip to the Etihad on Saturday afternoon, they will do so just one point behind the reigning Premier League champions. Talk of a title race is already rife.
Last time out, Liverpool comfortably dispatched Brentford at home, while City were forced to settle for a point after an eight-goal thriller against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Guardiola’s side had led heading into stoppage time.
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But Guardiola's preparations for Saturday's clash have been heavily disrupted. Not only is there currently an international break, but the City boss has a number of injury concerns.
The City manager had already seen four players withdraw from international duty this week, with Nathan Ake, Ederson, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes all succumbing to injury. While John Stones, Sergio Gomez and Kevin De Bruyne remain long-term absentees.
Rodri then became the latest City player to withdraw from international duty on Thursday after missing Spain's 3-1 win over Cyprus. It has been claimed that the midfielder felt some 'discomfort' that forced him to pull out.
Erling Haaland will also miss Norway's final European Championship qualifier against Scotland on Sunday due to an ankle injury. However, the knock is not believed to be serious, and there have been claims that the forward will be fit enough to feature against the Reds.
Guardiola, as things stand, could have just 13 fit outfield players to welcome back from the international break, and one of his long-standing philosophies
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