MatchLiverpool v Manchester City: Team news

The Reds host City in a 4.30pm GMT kick-off on Sunday in the Premier League and may do so with Joe Gomez – who has missed the last two games due to the injury he sustained at AFC Bournemouth – back in their matchday squad.

But the meeting with Guardiola’s side comes too soon for Jeremie Frimpong, who was forced off in the Champions League victory against Qarabag because of a muscle problem.

Slot told the media on Thursday morning: “Jeremie will definitely not train this week, so he’s not available for the weekend.

“With Joe, we have a little bit of hope that he might train Saturday. So, not available to start but maybe available to help the team if needed during the game because, as you already know, there are not that many defenders available at the moment.”

City manager Guardiola held his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon and said he is unsure on the fitness of captain Bernardo Silva.

The midfielder missed the midweek Carabao Cup win over Newcastle United after picking up a knock at Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday and will be assessed ahead of the trip to Anfield.

When asked if Silva will be available, Guardiola replied: “Don’t know yet, tomorrow training.”

Ruben Dias was an unused substitute against Newcastle after a month out due to a hamstring injury, and Guardiola said: “He’s back. We’ll see if he will play minutes, but good news for us.”

The City boss also revealed John Stones, who has been sidelined since early December, has returned to training, adding: “John made yesterday the first training session with the team and is step by step coming back.”

Erling Haaland was rested for the Newcastle game and Guardiola was quizzed on whether the striker will come back into the starting XI on Sunday.

He responded: “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. Always, I say Erling is the best.”

Jeremy Doku has missed City’s last two fixtures due to injury and Savinho has not played since New Year’s Day.

Both teams have long-term absentees: Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni for Liverpool, and Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic for City.

Last match

Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle (January 31): Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike.

Man City 3-1 Newcastle (February 4): Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, Ait-Nouri, Gonzalez, O’Reilly, Reijnders, Foden, Semenyo, Marmoush.