Gakpo missed Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa due to the knock he sustained in the Merseyside derby at Everton last week. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Etihad, Arne Slot said on Thursday that Gakpo is still not back in full training and it will be a “close call” whether he is ready to face City.

Cody Gakpo, the dynamic forward, has been sidelined for Liverpool’s last two fixtures due to an ankle injury sustained during the Merseyside derby. His absence was notably felt in the recent 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Slot remains hopeful yet cautious about Gakpo’s availability for the upcoming match against City.

Asked about whether Gakpo could feature on Sunday, Arne Slot told reporters on Thursday: ‘Let’s see. I hope. I’m not 100 per cent sure. ‘He hasn’t trained with the team