Manchester City face defending champions Liverpool this weekend in one of the season’s marquee fixtures — but Pep Guardiola has confirmed his side will once again be without key players. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, the City boss admitted that he does not expect any of his injured stars to return in time for Sunday’s clash.
City come into the game on the back of successive home victories against Bournemouth and Borussia Dortmund, but their squad depth will be tested once again. Guardiola’s men failed to score in either of their league meetings with Liverpool last season and will need to end that streak if they are to open up a four-point gap at the top of the Premier League.
Rodri Still Not Ready to Return
The main concern remains Rodri, who has missed several games with a muscular issue. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner made a brief appearance in the Bournemouth win last weekend but did not feature against Dortmund. Guardiola said City will not take any unnecessary risks.
“We will see tomorrow, but I think we will not take risks,” said Guardiola. “There’s an international break afterwards and we want to wait until he feels strong and fit enough to sustain the actions that games like this demand.”
The manager added that the Spaniard remains vital to City’s rhythm and control: “We are playing without the Ballon d’Or winner from two seasons ago, a massively important player for us. We are desperate to have him back.”
Kovacic Out for the Year
Guardiola also confirmed that Mateo Kovacic will miss the remainder of 2025 due to an ankle injury, ruling him out of both domestic and European fixtures. The Croatian’s absence further stretches City’s midfield options heading into a crucial winter period.
However, the City boss praised Nico González, who has stepped up impressively in recent weeks. “Nico right now has become a really important and good player,” Guardiola said, highlighting the youngster’s development amid the injury crisis.
Fresh Options for the Weekend
There is some positive news. Rayan Cherki, Rúben Dias, and Bernardo Silva are all expected to return to the starting XI after being rested against Dortmund. Cherki came off the bench midweek to score, boosting his chances of retaining a key attacking role against Liverpool.
| Manchester City Injury/Availability | Status |
|---|---|
| Rodri | Doubt – muscle issue |
| Mateo Kovacic | Out – ankle (rest of 2025) |
| Rayan Cherki | Available – rested midweek |
| Bernardo Silva | Available – rested midweek |
| Rúben Dias | Available – rested midweek |
source: club press conference – 5 November 2025
Our View — Smart Risk Management Before the Break
In our view, Guardiola’s decision to hold Rodri back makes perfect sense. With an international break looming and a packed winter schedule ahead, risking the Spaniard’s fitness could have long-term repercussions. It looks likely City will field a similar lineup to the Dortmund win, relying on rotation and rhythm rather than full-strength firepower. If González continues his strong form, Guardiola may just have found a short-term solution until Rodri returns.
Key Insights
- Big takeaway: Guardiola confirms Rodri unlikely to feature vs Liverpool.
- Long-term blow: Mateo Kovacic ruled out for the rest of 2025.
- Positive note: Cherki, Bernardo, and Dias set to return to the XI.
- Manager quote: “We won’t take risks — we need him fit for the best part of the season.”
- Fixture context: A City win would open up a four-point lead over Liverpool.
What’s Next
Manchester City vs Liverpool kicks off on Sunday, 9 November, at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola’s men will aim to maintain their unbeaten home record and send a statement in the title race — even without their midfield anchor.
👉 City fans — is Guardiola right to rest Rodri, or would you risk him for Liverpool?
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