Pep Guardiola reveals key Man City player is available again ahead of Liverpool

The Manchester City head coach spoke to the media ahead on Friday ahead of this weekend's trip to Liverpool and gave a fitness update on three experienced players

Pep Guadriola gave a fitness update on Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva ahead of this weekend's trip to Liverpool

Pep Guardiola has confirmed Ruben Dias will available to face Liverpool this weekend, but is still unsure whether Bernardo Silva will be fit for the trip to Anfield.

The Portuguese pair are injury doubts heading into the game, with Dias last playing on January 4 and missing the last nine games as a result. However, Dias returned to the squad for the midweek Carabao Cup win over Newcastle United and was an unused substitute.

Asked ahead of Sunday's game on Merseyside, Guardiola said: "He’s back and we will see if he plays minutes. But it's good news for us."

As for Silva, the City captain has played every single Premier League game this season, but sat out the Newcastle win due to a knock and remains a doubt to face Liverpool.

"I don’t know yet. Tomorrow training," Guardiola said when asked if the midfielder will be back in time for the Anfield clash.

Guardiola also confirmed John Stones is back in training following a long-term injury, although he will be available this weekend.

"John made a first training with the team. Step by step he is coming back," the ex-Barcelona coach said on Friday. Stones has missed the last 10 league matches with a thigh problem.

Guardiola also hinted that Erling Haaland will return to the line-up on Sunday after dropping to the bench in midweek.

"Erling is the best striker in the world," he replied bluntly, when asked if his no.9 will start against Liverpool.

Guardiola could be heading to Anfield for the final time this weekend as City coach, if reports are to believed. He is yet to win at the ground when fans have been present, and will hope to put that right this weekend.

"It is the toughest opponent," Guardiola said on his time at City. "A difficult place and stadium, especially with the quality of the players and managers. It has been tough."