Liverpool travel to Manchester City on Sunday with a clearer sense of who Pep Guardiola could be missing, and the main concern surrounds Bernardo Silva.
The 31-year-old Portugal midfielder sat out the midweek victory over Newcastle, and Guardiola offered little reassurance that his captain will be fit in time to face the Reds.
Speaking after the match via mancity.com, Guardiola sounded uncertain, even while acknowledging Silva’s well-known desire to play through pain.
“I don’t know. Bernardo is special. We’ll see… He’s a big doubt. Knowing him, he will try, but right now I don’t know.”
That assessment is notable because it suggests more than simple rotation. Guardiola referenced a back muscle issue rather than a hamstring problem, the latter often used to mask short-term fitness concerns.
Guardiola’s update on Bernardo Silva
City’s fixture list has been relentless, with the side already playing an extra midweek game, beating Newcastle 3-1 to seal a 5-1 aggregate win and reach the Carabao Cup final.
That matters from a Liverpool perspective, as fatigue typically impacts pressing and recovery first—areas where Silva is vital in maintaining City’s shape when matches become stretched.
While Silva’s league campaign has not been defined by goals, his influence has come through control and creativity, registering four assists, an xA of 2.13, a 90% pass completion rate, and six big chances created this season (via SofaScore).
He is not the only City player facing fitness issues. According to premierinjuries.com, Guardiola is dealing with a growing injury list:
Bernardo Silva – Back muscle issue (major doubt)
Joško Gvardiol – Calf/shin/heel injury (out)
John Stones – Thigh injury (out)
Mateo Kovačić – Ankle/foot injury (out)
Jérémy Doku – Calf/shin/heel injury (out)
Savinho – Thigh injury (out)
Why Silva’s absence would matter for Liverpool
If Silva misses out, City lose a key Guardiola lieutenant—someone comfortable in tight spaces, able to dictate tempo, and crucial in sustaining pressure when opponents try to disrupt their rhythm.
It would also reduce City’s defensive work rate in transition, which could be important if Liverpool look to release Hugo Ekitike early and find Florian Wirtz between the lines.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are also managing their own injury concerns. Arne Slot recently provided updates on seven players ahead of the Newcastle game, while Ben Dinnery has warned that Conor Bradley’s knee problem could keep him sidelined for a long period.
“If there’s any return in 2026 it would be a massive bonus for Liverpool, but it could quite easily run into early 2027,” Dinnery said.
All of this underlines why any uncertainty in City’s squad feels significant, especially with Liverpool already operating on fine margins defensively, despite the confidence boost from a 4-1 comeback win over Newcastle.
For now, the message is clear: Guardiola has not confirmed Bernardo Silva’s availability, and Liverpool will treat City’s captain as a genuine doubt until the teams are announced on Sunday.
