Key Points
- Bernardo Silva remains a major doubt for Manchester City after missing the midweek Carabao Cup win over Newcastle with a muscle injury in his back.
- Ruben Dias has returned to training following a hamstring injury and could feature against Liverpool at Anfield.
- John Stones is back in first-team training after months out but may not be ready for the Sunday clash.
- Erling Haaland’s starting role is uncertain after being rested midweek, with Pep Guardiola hinting at his importance.
- Long-term absentees include Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic.
Manchester (Liverpool Standard) February 7, 2026 – Manchester City head to Anfield on Sunday facing uncertainty over key players ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola provided updates on Friday, confirming captain Bernardo Silva is an “incredible doubt” due to a muscle issue described as less dangerous than a hamstring but still in his back. The midfielder missed the 3-1 win over Newcastle United in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg.
Who Are Manchester City’s Injury Doubts?
Guardiola stated he does not yet know if Silva will play, with a decision pending after Saturday’s training session. According to Sports Mole, the Catalan coach called Silva’s availability uncertain for the high-stakes Anfield trip.
As reported by Pep Guardiola via Empire of the Kop, Ruben Dias watched the Newcastle match as an unused substitute after eight games out with a hamstring injury and could see minutes against Liverpool.
What Boosts Does City Have from Returning Players?
John Stones has resumed training after being sidelined since August or early December, depending on reports, but the Liverpool game is likely too soon for a return. ESPN lists his muscle injury with an estimated return in late February.
Will Erling Haaland Start Up Front?
Guardiola refused to confirm if top scorer Erling Haaland will start, having begun the Newcastle game on the bench, but praised him as “the best striker in the world”. Empire of the Kop quoted the City boss saying:
“Always I said, Erling is the best striker in the world. I don’t know [if he will start at Anfield]. We will see tomorrow.”
Which Players Are Definitely Out for City?
Jeremy Doku has missed City’s last two games with a calf injury, while Savinho has not featured since New Year’s Day. Long-term issues sideline Josko Gvardiol with an ankle problem until early May and Mateo Kovacic with an ankle injury until early March, as detailed by ESPN and the Standard.
The match kicks off at 4:30pm GMT at Anfield, with both sides dealing with absences but City buoyed by their EFL Cup final progression.
