Key Man City man likely to miss Reds clash through injury – and could miss start of the Premier League season

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Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte is likely to miss the Community Shield on Sunday after picking up a knock which could yet keep him out of the start of the Premier League season.

City face Liverpool at Wembley this weekend before they start their league campaign against West Ham United, by which time the Reds will have already faced Norwich City at Anfield.

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Missing Laporte, who is one of the best defenders in the league, will be a big blow for them if he does end up missing out. Having lost Vincent Kompany this summer, City are slightly light in that area anyway.

Nicolas Otamendi, another centre-back, is also expected to miss the match having only just returned from the Copa America, where he represented Argentina. Fernandinho, Gabriel Jesus, Sergio Aguero, Ederson, Riyad Mahrez and Benjamin Mendy are also reportedly set to be missing for a variety of reasons.

While some have expressed concern over the Reds’ lack of options, it’s important to remember that other clubs – even City – are in the same situation right now because of international tournaments.

With Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, Alisson and Xherdan Shaqiri back yesterday, the squad certainly looked a lot healthier and the performance against Lyon was much-improved.

The Reds are now only waiting for Sadio Mane to return, and he will be back early next week.

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