Jurgen Klopp confirmed three Liverpool FC players will be absent against Manchester City.

Nevertheless, four Liverpool FC players have returned from injury in time for the trip to Manchester City.

On Saturday at midday, Liverpool will face Manchester City without three long-term absentees; however, four other teammates have resumed training this week.

Andy Robertson’s recovery from a shoulder injury is not anticipated until late January, and Thiago will be sidelined for the remainder of 2023. Additionally, Stefan Bajcetic will be absent from the Etihad due to the persistent nature of a severe, long-lasting knee injury.

The fact that “only” the long-term absentees will miss this weekend, as confirmed by Jurgen Klopp, suggests that the remainder of his squad is fit. Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, and Joe Gomez have all recovered from setbacks this week and are all viable options for the Etihad.

The early kick-off schedule has been criticized by Klopp, who noted that South American internationals would have to make a rapid reversal. Thursday was training day for Alisson [of Brazil], Alexis Mac Allister [Argentina], Luis Diaz [Colombia], and Darwin Nunez [Uruguay], according to the club’s confirmation.

Pep Guardiola is optimistic that City’s Erling Haaland will be able to face Liverpool despite suffering from “niggles” during the international break. He suffered a foot injury while representing Norway against the Faroe Islands and was subsequently sidelined from Sunday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Scotland.

Guardiola is also concerned about the whereabouts of Nathan Akesimov, Mateo Kovacic, and Ederson, among others. “Like many other clubs, we have a few issues,” the City manager declared on Friday.

“The outcome will be determined during the training session and by tomorrow.” It will be certain by 6 p.m. which individuals I will be assigned for tomorrow. It’s always plan A.”

Guardiola referred to Liverpool as “old friends” and expressed excitement for the matchup on Saturday. Klopp stated that he anticipates a “tough” matchup this weekend, adding, “Over the past few years, they have been the strongest team in the league.

“You will acknowledge that our record [at the Etihad] is not promising.” They are exceedingly powerful; if there were anything that could weaken them, I would repeat myself. “The past year is in my memory.”