New Delhi: Manchester City are looking to bounce back after their midweek defeat against Real Madrid which knocked them out of the UEFA Champions League but have a tough task ahead of them as they welcome league leaders Liverpool at the Etihad in a crucial clash for both sides. The Cityzens have been dealing with multiple injury issues all season and have been dealt a huge blow as the lineups were announced.
Star striker Erling Haaland hasn’t been named in the squad to face Liverpool, not even making the bench as he misses this huge encounter between the two heavyweights. The 24-year-old is City’s top scorer this season with 27 goals in all competitions and is an integral part of Guardiola’s system but the Catalan manager will now have to face one of their biggest rivals without their star man in the squad.
🚨❌ Erling Haaland, not even on the bench for Man City against Liverpool as he’s not fully fit. pic.twitter.com/Szd9OQDgGQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2025
Haaland picked up a knock during the club’s resounding win over Newcastle United last weekend and remained on the bench throughout Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid. Pep had hoped that resting the striker midweek would’ve allowed him to make the squad against Liverpool but that didn’t prove enough as he doesn’t even make the bench today. His injury forces Pep to tweak his starting lineup for this huge clash.
Jeremy Doku makes his first start in over a month due to Haaland unavailability as new signing Omar Marmoush starts upfront. The Egyptian forward was in blistering form against Newcastle, bagging a hattrick for himself and will need to repeat those heroics tonight if City are to win. Fellow new signing Abdukodir Khusanov also starts alongside Nathan Ake as John Stones faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Some good news for Liverpool
While Liverpool have been dealing with some injury issues of their own off late, the lineups brought about some good news for Liverpool fans. Arne Slot confirmed before the game that he would be without both Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley for the clash as both face a considerable spell on the sidelines but welcome two of their injured stars back for this important clash. Academy product Curtis Jones returned from his injury against Aston Villa in midweek and makes his second successive start after being named in the lineup against City.
Moreover, star forward Cody Gakpo has been ruled fit enough to named on the bench after missing the last couple of games for Arne Slot’s side. Liverpool’s attack has been potent in front of goal leading to the club being in a dominating position in the league and Gakpo has played a huge rule in the same. His return is sure to be a welcome boost for Arne Slot who would be relishing his chance to call the Dutch International off the bench whenever required.
Manchester City have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the clash with Liverpool as star striker Erling Haaland hasn’t been deemed fit enough to make the lineup against Liverpool. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
