Liverpool travel to Manchester City on Sunday with a growing sense of which players Pep Guardiola may be forced to do without, and the biggest uncertainty surrounds Bernardo Silva.
The 31-year-old Portugal international sat out City’s midweek victory over Newcastle, and Guardiola sounded far from optimistic when asked whether his captain would be fit in time to face Liverpool. Speaking after the match via mancity.com, the City manager offered a cautious update, while still 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’ll try, but right now I don’t know.”
Those comments suggest this is more than simple rotation. Guardiola specifically referenced a back muscle issue rather than a hamstring problem, often a clue managers use when trying to downplay recurring injuries.
City’s schedule has been relentless, with Wednesday’s 3–1 win over Newcastle sending them into the Carabao Cup final with a 5–1 aggregate scoreline. That extra fixture matters, particularly given how fatigue can affect pressing and recovery work — areas where Bernardo Silva is central to maintaining City’s shape as matches become stretched.
While Silva’s league contributions this season are not measured in goals, his influence is evident in his control and creativity: four assists, an expected assists figure of 2.13, 90% passing accuracy and six big chances created, according to SofaScore.
He is not the only City player facing fitness issues. As reported by premierinjuries.com, Guardiola’s squad currently includes several absentees:
• Bernardo Silva – back muscle issue (major doubt)
• Josko Gvardiol – calf/shin/heel injury (out)
• John Stones – thigh injury (out)
• Mateo Kovacic – ankle/foot injury (out)
• Jeremy Doku – calf/shin/heel injury (out)
• Savinho – thigh injury (out)
Silva’s absence would have clear tactical implications for Liverpool. His ability to operate in tight spaces, dictate tempo and contribute defensively when City lose possession makes him one of Guardiola’s most reliable outlets. Without him, City lose a key figure in sustaining pressure and restoring order during transitions — something Liverpool could exploit by releasing Hugo Ekitike early and finding Florian Wirtz between the lines.
Liverpool themselves are managing their own injury concerns. Arne Slot’s pre-Newcastle briefing included updates on seven players, while Ben Dinnery has warned that Conor Bradley’s knee problem could keep him sidelined well into 2026, and possibly beyond.
That context makes any uncertainty within City’s squad feel particularly important, especially with Liverpool already operating on fine margins defensively despite the confidence boost of a 4–1 comeback win over Newcastle.
For now, the situation is clear: Guardiola has given no assurances over Bernardo Silva’s availability, and Liverpool will justifiably regard City’s captain as a genuine doubt until the team sheets are revealed on Sunday.
