Manchester City are not without injury concerns(Image: Getty Images.). Manchester City will be eyeing a swift return to winning ways when they host Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.. City were dumped out of the Champions League in midweek, losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in the second leg of their play-off round tie at the Bernabeu. It meant they exited the competition 6-3 on aggregate.. The Blues’ woes were compounded by the loss of John Stones to injury in the Bernabeu, with manager Pep Guardiola refusing to rule out the possibility of the defender requiring surgery. With that in mind, here is all the very latest on the injury front ahead of the visit of Liverpool…. Injury: thigh. Stones was forced off after just eight minutes against Madrid on Wednesday due to a thigh injury, meaning Guardiola was forced into an unexpected alteration before the clock had even ticked over into double figures.. City have so far been unable to clarify just how long he will be out for, with Guardiola yet to find out whether he will need surgery or not.. Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, the City boss said: “He is injured. It’s a difficult one. In the next days, we will know if he needs surgery or not.”. Possible return date: unknown.. Injury: muscle. Fellow defender Akanji faces an extended spell on the sidelines after tearing his adductor muscle in the 3-2 defeat to Madrid at the Etihad Stadium almost a fortnight ago. He was forced off at half-time and Guardiola anticipates he may be out for more than two months.. He said earlier this month: “Surgery on Saturday (last weekend). Eight to ten weeks out. His adductor is broken. We wish the best recovery for Manu because the effort he has done this season has been unbelievable.”. Possible return date: late April.. Manuel Akanji faces a stint on the sidelines.(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images.). Injury: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Rodri is a long-term absentee, last appearing when City drew 2-2 with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on September 22. He has been working hard on his recovery in recent months and has been spotted mixing with the first-team squad on the training pitches.. The Spaniard is not expected to play again this season, but it is possible he may feature in City’s Club World Cup campaign in the United States in the summer.. Issuing an update on his ongoing recovery recently, Rodri said: “Well, I always say, it’s part of life. Injuries, athletes are used to these kind of things.. “But I’m a very positive guy in the sense that I take it what it is. I always thank God for everything and in these kind of moments try and be positive. And maybe do other stuff that I’m not used to doing, like coming here, spending more time with your family and why not try to improve other parts of your body, work on that and come back stronger.”. Possible return date: June.. Injury: broken leg. Bobb has not featured in any capacity for City so far this season after breaking a bone in his leg during a training session in pre-season. It was reported recently that he had suffered a setback in his recovery, meaning it remains to be seen when he will next be available.. Oscar Bobb has been back in training.(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images.). Possible return date: unknown.. Injury: knee. Leading marksman Haaland played no part in the midweek defeat to Madrid after suffering a knee injury in last Saturday’s 4-0 win over Newcastle United. Guardiola admitted during his pre-match press conference on Friday that a late check will be made on the Norwegian’s availability for the visit of Arne Slot’s team.. “I don’t know yet,” said Guardiola. “Tomorrow (Saturday) will know it. Maybe [he will be fit], but I don’t know. We train today, tomorrow he will test.. Article continues below. “It is better to have him on the pitch than not have him. We’re in the position we’re in right now. Everyone is responsible for good and bad things. With Erling we’re stronger.”. Possible return date: February 23 (Liverpool H).
