Pep Guardiola has confirmed that David Silva is a big doubt for Manchester City this weekend when they play against Liverpool at Anfield.
Silva, 33, was substituted off at half time in Man City’s 2-1 win against Southampton on Saturday with a muscle injury and is now expected to miss his side’s upcoming matches against Atalanta and Liverpool.
Guardiola was asked whether he thinks Silva will be fit for Sunday and, as quoted by the Express, he said: “I don’t think so.
“I didn’t speak with the doctor, but when he has a muscular problem and cannot play more minutes, it’s because he has something.
“When it’s a muscular problem, it’s always a minimum of 10 to 12 days.
“Five minutes before the first half ended, he told me he had a muscular problem.”
OPINION
Silva has been superb for Man City this season, scoring two goals and supplying five assists in 14 appearances across all competitions. Guardiola is known for rotating his squad but the Spanish playmaker has started nine out of the club’s 11 Premier League fixtures this term, which shows just how key he is in the side at the Etihad. Any team in the world is going to miss a player of Silva’s abilities so while this news comes as a blow for the reigning Premier League champions, it is a massive boost for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s side can potentially go nine points clear at the top of the table if they win against City at Anfield on Sunday. Silva has been such a big part of Guardiola’s side and being without him might make it that little bit easier to pick up three points. It’s going to be a huge game this weekend, that’s for sure.
