Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is reportedly optimistic of being fit for Saturday lunchtime's tantalising Premier League clash with Liverpool at the Etihad.
The Norway international damaged his ankle yet again on Euro 2024 qualifying duty this month, forcing him to miss his nation's fixture with Scotland, but there is hope that he will be cleared to line up through the middle this weekend.
However, all of Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring), John Stones (thigh) and Matheus Nunes (fitness) are expected to miss out, while Ederson (foot), Sergio Gomez (ankle), Nathan Ake (knock) and Mateo Kovacic (thigh) are doubtful at the time of writing.
Ederson experienced "intense" pain in his foot during City's 4-4 draw with Chelsea two weekends ago and did not make the Brazil squad for their World Cup qualifiers, but the South American has enjoyed ample rest time and should be given the green light to start this one; Stefan Ortega is on standby in any case.
Ake is thought to be in with a chance of playing too, but an unchanged backline of Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji should act as Ederson's shield, with Rodri stationed just ahead of the quartet.
Unless Kovacic and Nunes make unexpected rapid recoveries, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden could join forces with Rodri in a fearsome midfield trident, where England internationals Rico Lewis and Kalvin Phillips are alternative options.
Assuming Haaland is fine to spearhead the charge, Julian Alvarez might be spared owing to his exploits in South America, allowing Jack Grealish and the effervescent Jeremy Doku to complete a three-pronged attack.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Silva, Rodri, Foden; Doku, Haaland, Grealish
> Click here to see how Liverpool could line up for this clash
Ben Knapton
