‘We’ve got our weapons back’ – Pep Guardiola sends confident message ahead of Liverpool clash

Manchester City’s injury concerns appear to be easing just in time for Liverpool’s visit to the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola declaring that he now has his “weapons” back – a clear message that the Reds will need to be at their very best to respond.

Guardiola confident ahead of Liverpool clash
Speaking to mancity.com before Sunday’s showdown, Guardiola said:

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

The City boss, who led his team to a third-place finish last season, believes the return of key players has restored the squad’s strength in depth after a tough injury period.

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

It’s a statement that sets the tone for what promises to be another intense Premier League meeting between two of the division’s fiercest rivals.

City will still be without Mateo Kovacic, who has been ruled out until March 2026 with an ankle injury, according to premierleagueinjuries.com. Guardiola confirmed the Croatian “will be out for a while,” though his loss is balanced by several key returns.

Liverpool’s turn to respond
For Arne Slot’s side, this fixture offers a major test of progress since the summer rebuild. The manager confirmed that Alexander Isak is back in full training, though he cautioned fans not to expect him to be “at his best immediately.”

Slot also revealed that Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong are expected to return after the international break, adding much-needed stability at the back.

According to Opta’s supercomputer, City hold a 45.4% chance of winning compared to Liverpool’s 27.7%, but such stats rarely capture the unpredictability when these two giants meet.

Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, is just one goal or assist away from breaking Wayne Rooney’s record for most goal involvements at a single club — and he has a strong track record against City.

City may believe their “weapons” are ready, but Liverpool have been quietly sharpening theirs over the past two matches.