“We’ve got our weapons back” – Pep Guardiola delivers confident message ahead of Liverpool clash

Manchester City’s injury troubles appear to be easing just in time for Liverpool’s visit to the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola confidently declaring that he now has “weapons” at his disposal once again — a clear signal that the Reds will need to be at their absolute best to come away with a result.

Guardiola’s confident message ahead of Liverpool clash

Speaking to mancity.com before Sunday’s highly anticipated showdown, Guardiola said:

“You see the bench now — we have weapons to change systems and dynamics. The players coming on can make a huge impact.”

The Spaniard, who led his team to a third-place finish last season, believes the return of key players has revitalised City’s depth after a difficult spell with injuries.

“Last season that couldn’t happen, and that was the main reason [we struggled],” he explained. “Now we have strength in depth. Everyone can make a difference at any moment.”

It’s a bold statement before what promises to be another fierce battle between two of the Premier League’s dominant forces in recent years.

City will still be without Mateo Kovacic, who is sidelined until March 2026 with an ankle injury, according to premierleagueinjuries.com. Guardiola admitted the Croatian “will be out for a while,” but said other key returns have boosted the squad’s balance and options.

Liverpool’s response will reveal true title credentials

From Liverpool’s side, this fixture provides a major test of how far Arne Slot’s team have come since the summer rebuild.

The manager confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Alexander Isak is back in full training but cautioned fans not to expect him “to be at his best immediately.”

Slot also revealed that Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong should return after the international break — key reinforcements that will strengthen Liverpool’s defence and overall structure.

According to Opta’s supercomputer, City have a 45.4% chance of victory compared to Liverpool’s 27.7%, but history suggests that form and statistics rarely decide this fixture.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah is just one goal or assist away from surpassing Wayne Rooney’s record for most goal involvements at a single club — and he has often delivered in this fixture.

City may feel they’ve regained their “weapons,” but Liverpool have been quietly sharpening theirs over the past two games — ready to strike when it matters most.