Manchester City v Liverpool: Team news

The vice-captain has been absent from the Reds’ last two Premier League outings with Newcastle United and Arsenal due to a hamstring issue, but resumed full training at Melwood on Tuesday and could come into contention for the showdown with Pep Guardiola’s side.

“He was back in training with us yesterday for the first time, so we will see,” Jürgen Klopp confirmed during his pre-match press conference at Melwood on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, the boss reported no other fresh injury concerns following the 5-1 win over the Gunners, though Joe Gomez and Joel Matip remain sidelined, as well as long-term absentees Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rhian Brewster.

Manchester City will check on the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne on the morning of the game after the playmaker missed their 3-1 victory at Southampton on Sunday due to a muscle issue.

Guardiola said: “He trained today. But tomorrow we need another check in the morning, but he is much better.”

Another player who sat out City’s last fixture, Ilkay Gundogan, is likely to return after a knock; however, the Blues are without Fabian Delph due to suspension and Benjamin Mendy (knee).

On the seven-point gap between his team and Liverpool in the table, Guardiola added: “Our reality is clear. We are seven points down. It is the second round of games and I have a feeling there is a big opportunity for us to reduce the gap.

“People are asking what we will do if we lose but we are going to try to win the game, be there and have a chance to fight for the Premier League.”

Last time out

Southampton v Manchester City (December 30): Ederson, Danilo, Kompany, Laporte, Zinchenko, Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho, Silva, Mahrez, Aguero, Sterling.

Liverpool v Arsenal (December 29): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Shaqiri, Mane, Salah, Firmino.