Pep Guardiola issues triple Man City injury update with Liverpool game looming

Manchester City hosts Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup this week, before attention turns to the upcoming trip to Anfield this weekend, which could be Guardiola's last in charge of the Blues

Pep Guardiola has provided an injury update on three Manchester City players ahead of this weekend(Image: Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola has given an injury update on three Manchester City players ahead of this weekend’s Premier League trip to Liverpool.

City faces another clash before then, however, with the Blues looking to secure their place in the Carabao Cup final when it hosts Newcastle United on Wednesday. City holds a 2-0 advantage from the first leg and, should it progress to the Wembley final, would face either Arsenal or Chelsea.

At the very least, a midweek fixture should help Liverpool’s preparations for Sunday’s meeting at Anfield, which Arne Slot’s side will approach feeling fresher. That sense has certainly been amplified with the emergence of a new injury concern for City.

Rayan Cherki, who was linked with a summer move to Liverpool, is a doubt for the Newcastle game and faces a late fitness test before the second leg.

“Have a knock, we will see today how he feels,” said Guardiola ahead of the game, while he was also asked about the fitness of Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku.

“Ruben started to train yesterday and Jeremy not yet,” he replied. The latter is expected to miss Sunday’s game at Anfield as a result.

Doku joins a City injury list that includes John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Savinho.

Cherki is a doubt to face Liverpool this weekend(Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Guardiola’s side continues to stutter in the Premier League. It drew 2-2 last weekend at Tottenham Hotspur, blowing a two-goal lead at half-time.

City sits second in the table, six points behind leaders Arsenal and eight clear of Liverpool.

The Reds lost 3-0 when the sides last met in November. A repeat would prove bruising for Liverpool’s chances of securing a top-four finish, and dull much of the momentum created by Saturday’s 4-1 win over Newcastle.

Slot mand Guardiola are set to lock horns again this weekend

Sunday’s match could also be Guardiola’s final match at Anfield as City boss.

The Catlan has endured an interesting relationship with the Liverpool fans over the years. He's often spoken fondly of the club he has repeatedly referred to as his biggest rivals during his decade-long stint in Manchester.

Recent reports have suggested Xabi Alonso could be in line to replace the ex-Barcelona manager at the Etihad this summer, while the former Liverpool midfielder is reportedly a figure the Reds are keeping an eye on.