Incredible doubt — Guardiola confirms key player could miss Liverpool clash

Pep Guardiola has dropped a major injury bombshell ahead of Manchester City’s high-stakes trip to Anfield, confirming that club captain Bernardo Silva is an "incredible doubt" for the clash against Liverpool on Sunday.

The 31-year-old Portuguese international, who has started 16 consecutive Premier League matches this season, sustained a back muscle injury during City’s recent 2–2 draw with Tottenham.

The issue forced him to miss the midweek Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Newcastle, and while Guardiola hasn't completely ruled him out, his tone was far from optimistic.

"Yesterday, he said to me, ‘I feel quite good. I want to try.’ But I don’t know," Guardiola stated.

The manager clarified that the injury, while not a hamstring issue, is in a similar area and requires careful monitoring over the coming days.

"He’s an incredible doubt," Guardiola admitted. "He will try, I think so, knowing him, he will try. But right now, I don’t know…"

The timing is critical for City, who have dropped points in five of their last six league outings. Silva joins a growing injury list that already includes John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, and Mateo Kovacic.

If the captain is unavailable, Guardiola may turn to youngsters Nico O'Reilly or Tijjani Reijnders to anchor the midfield in what has historically been City's toughest away fixture.