Rio Ferdinand reckons that Liverpool will've been delighted to learn the news that Manchester City were without Erling Haaland for Saturday's clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland, 22, wasn't risked in the crucial match for City's title hopes after picking up a groin injury before the start of the international break, consequently missing two games for Norway in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Guardiola told BT Sport pre-match: "He's much, much better, but not for today. He didn't feel good, no risk."
Reacting to the news prior to the Citizens boss emerging for his pitch-side interview, former Manchester United defender Ferdinand explained how Liverpool would be feeling in the dressing room after learning that Haaland - scorer of a sensational 42 goals this season - was absent. "There's no doubt in my mind that in that dressing room they'll be sitting in there thinking 'right, that'll do'," the ex-United centre-back declared.
"The reaction to that would have been huge for them, and they would have been delighted. They'll be pleased, they'll be more happier than this man," Ferdinand added as Guardiola arrived.
In Haaland's absence came Argentine striker Julian Alvarez, flanked by wide forwards Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish. Not only was Haaland missing from City's squad but also Phil Foden. The winger dropped out of the recent England squad before undergoing surgery to remove his appendix, while Bernardo Silva was only fit enough for the bench.
"Bernardo as well, Bernardo had a virus after his Portugal trip, training just yesterday," Guardiola went on to say. "I spoke with him, he is not able to play 90 minutes - he and Phil - but it happens, so probably the day after the game here against Burnley he didn't feel good - okay, Phil for the surgery, but it's happened. In the season these kind of things happen."
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A win for the Citizens in the early kick-off would cut the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to five points, although the Gunners can reforge an eight-point lead when they host Leeds at 3pm. "I have a feeling it will be more difficult, but I always say why don't we go to win the game, then we will be closer," Guardiola admitted.
"It's still a lot of football games and anything can happen, but you see the trajectory from Arsenal during the season you have to have the feeling like in the previous season with us and Liverpool that we will not drop much points, and that is a feeling we have this season with Arsenal. Hopefully we can be there as much as possible, as long as possible."
