Pep Guardiola is facing a major selection concern ahead of Man City’s clash away to Liverpool on Sunday, with captain Bernardo Silva a doubt.
Silva appeared to sustain a knock during City’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham and was subsequently absent from the midweek victory over Newcastle.
That win was significant, securing Manchester City’s place in the Carabao Cup final, but it came at the cost of continued uncertainty over the fitness of one of Guardiola’s most trusted players.
The Portuguese midfielder has started City’s previous 16 Premier League matches and has been a central figure in their campaign.
While Silva has not been completely ruled out of Sunday’s match, Guardiola struck a pessimistic tone when asked about his condition following the Newcastle game, offering little reassurance that his captain would be ready in time.
“Could be okay are not the words. He is an incredible doubt,” said Guardiola.
“He will try, I know him, he will try, but he is an incredible doubt. We’ll see. Yesterday he said to me, I don’t feel quite good, I want to try.
“It’s a position that is less dangerous than a hamstring; it’s another type of muscle, but we’ll see.”
City’s trip to Anfield comes at a delicate moment in their league season. Since the start of the new year, they have dropped points in five of their last six Premier League fixtures, leaving them keenly aware that there is now very little margin for error in the title race.
Liverpool away has also proven a difficult assignment for Guardiola historically. As Manchester City manager, he has won at Anfield just once, with that solitary victory coming five years ago.
