Manchester City’s defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday has delivered even more bad news for Pep Guardiola, with two more injury worries ahead of Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad Stadium this month.

City’s Champions League hopes hang by a thread after they fell to a dramatic 3-2 defeat in the first leg on Tuesday. Jude Bellingham’s stoppage time goal means Carlo Ancelotti’s side will take the advantage back with them to the Bernabeu next week, despite an Erling Haaland double.

With their chance of defending their Premier League title already lying in tatters - Liverpool can go 18 points clear of City as it takes on Everton this evening - Europe and the FA Cup were Guardiola’s only realistic hopes of winning some silverware this season. It looks as though they could be departing at the first hurdle of the Champions League’s knockout stages though.

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To rub salt into City’s wounds, they’ve been hit with another couple of injury concerns following Tuesday’s game. Guardiola has had to deal with some pretty high-profile absentees already this season, and the situation doesn’t look to be getting any better ahead of Liverpool’s visit on February 23.

Jack Grealish had to be substituted after just 30 minutes after seemingly picking up a groin problem. Guardiola admitted afterward that the England international is likely to be a doubt for City’s next two games, which may also leave questions about his involvement against the Reds.

Manuel Akanji was also forced off later in the first half, with the defender looking in some discomfort before being replaced by Rico Lewis at the break.

“I don't know yet, but if they have gone out for muscular reasons, maybe they will not be there,” the Man City boss told reporters after the game.

City’s latest blows come after new signing Nico Gonzalez endured a debut to forget in the FA Cup at the weekend, having lasted just over 20 minutes before needing to be replaced. The midfielder was named on the bench against Real, suggesting his injury might not be too serious.

Jeremy Doku was also able to make the bench after his recent knock, although Rodri remains out and will likely miss the remainder of the season following his knee injury. With City once again struggling without the Ballon d’Or winner, Liverpool fans will no doubt be given more confidence ahead of the two sides meeting this month, which could play a huge role in deciding this season’s title race between the Reds and Arsenal.