Man City stars return to training before Liverpool clash

As was always likely to be the case, Manchester City have welcomed back a host of 'injured' stars before Liverpool's trip to the Etihad this weekend.

As always seems to be the case before a clash between the Reds and the Cityzens, it was thought that the current Premier League champions might be without some of their brightest talents for Liverpool's Saturday lunchtime visit.

Several City players pulled out of joining up with their respective national teams during the recent international break, hinting at the possibility that they might be absent for the return of the Premier League.

Among those to return home early or withdraw entirely from international duty were star striker Erling Haaland, Nathan Ake, Ederson, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic.

Rodri was also absent for Spain's clash with Cyprus in Euro 2024 qualifying, although he did return to the starting lineup for La Roja's encounter with Georgia a few days later.

However, entirely unsurprisingly, Ederson, Haaland, Rodri and Ake all trained with Man City on Thursday, putting them firmly in line to feature against the Reds.

Kovacic and once Liverpool target Nunes may be the only ones to miss out, alongside Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones and Sergio Gomez who were certain absentees prior to the international break.

The more cynical football fan would perhaps think that Pep Guardiola had overplayed the seriousness of the issues facing Man City's players in a bid to limit their minutes with their national teams and keep his squad fresh for the weekend's match.

Regardless, it will be unlikely to impact Liverpool's preparations. The Reds will have expected the majority of Man City's 'injured' players to feature anyway.

It seems Liverpool won't be offered a helping hand by Lady Luck after all, with the Reds needing an almighty performance on Saturday lunchtime to come away from the Etihad with even a point.