Liverpool are facing significant selection issues ahead of their crucial Premier League match against Manchester City. Cody Gakpo remains a major doubt after missing the draw with Aston Villa due to a knock sustained in the Merseyside derby.
Softfootball reports that manager Arne Slot is unsure if the Dutch forward will be fit enough to train fully before Sunday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium.
The Reds will also be without right-back Conor Bradley, who suffered a hamstring injury against Villa.
Slot confirmed that Bradley is expected to miss at least the next two games, adding to a growing list of absentees that includes Joe Gomez, who is out for the season following surgery. These defensive setbacks force Slot to reshuffle his backline for the tough fixture.
Slot explained the situation by stating:
Let’s see, let’s see. I hope. I’m not 100 per cent sure. He hasn’t trained with the team yet, maybe he does a bit today, I don’t know exactly. It will be a close call.
This uncertainty leaves Liverpool vulnerable as they prepare to face one of their toughest rivals of the season.
The manager also highlighted the need to manage minutes for players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota, who are returning from injuries.
He emphasized that protecting them from further harm is a priority, even if it means making unpopular substitution decisions during matches to ensure their long-term availability.
