The FA Cup quarter-final between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield this weekend will be defined by absence as much as presence. Nine key players between the two sides are in doubt, with Alexander Isak’s return casting the most immediate uncertainty for Liverpool. The Swedish striker, who has been out since a broken leg injury in late October, is expected to resume team training this week and could even feature in the tie against City—though his role will likely be limited to a late substitute or emergency option. His availability follows a period of prolonged uncertainty, with Liverpool initially expecting him to miss the remainder of the season. Now, with just over a month left in the campaign, his return—even in a reduced capacity—could provide a tactical lifeline for a side already navigating the absence of Alisson Becker, their first-choice goalkeeper, who remains out until the end of the season.
For Manchester City, the bigger question surrounds Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker, who has been a constant in Pep Guardiola’s plans since his arrival, was left out of the starting XI against Wolverhampton in the Premier League last weekend—a rare omission that signaled Guardiola’s frustration with Haaland’s recent form. The decision came after two consecutive losses, one in the league and another in the Champions League, where Haaland’s goal-scoring drought has become a talking point. While Haaland is expected to be available for the FA Cup tie, his exclusion from the starting XI suggests Guardiola may be testing his fitness or evaluating his role in a match that could extend into extra time. The pressure on City to secure a result—especially with the Premier League title race still wide open—means every player’s availability will be scrutinized, from Rayan Cherki’s defensive contributions to Phil Foden’s midfield influence.
The tactical implications of these absences are already shaping up to be complex. Liverpool’s bench, which includes Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk as first-team options, will be stretched thin if Isak’s return is limited. Meanwhile, City’s depth chart, usually one of their greatest strengths, is now under question with Haaland’s form and the potential for extra time to complicate substitutions. The FA Cup’s unpredictable nature—where a single goal can decide a winner—means both managers will be forced to prioritize players who can deliver in high-pressure moments. For Liverpool, the return of Mohamed Salah, who is fit but emotionally detached from his impending departure, adds another layer of intrigue. Slot has suggested Salah’s departure may not inspire the club, but his presence on the pitch could still be a catalyst for Liverpool’s attack.
Beyond the immediate matchday considerations, the broader narrative of this tie reflects the broader challenges facing both clubs. Liverpool’s campaign has been defined by inconsistency, with their Premier League form fluctuating between moments of brilliance and periods of stagnation. The FA Cup, however, offers a fresh start—a chance to reset before the Champions League quarter-finals against Paris Saint-Germain. For City, the absence of Haaland’s goals has exposed vulnerabilities in their front line, forcing Guardiola to rely on younger players like Cherki and Foden to carry the load. The clash at Anfield will not just be a test of individual fitness but also a measure of how each side adapts to the absence of their most pivotal players. With the stakes high and the margin for error slim, the outcome could have ripple effects beyond the weekend, shaping the final months of the season for both teams.
