A viable midfield option is available for Pep Guardiola if Bernardo cannot play at Anfield

Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva missed his team’s 3-1 win over Newcastle United last night due to injury. Pep Guardiola revealed after his team booked a spot in the Carabao Cup final, where they will face Manchester United, that Silva's injury is not too serious but his availability for the upcoming match against Liverpool at Anfield is still uncertain. This news has raised concerns among Manchester City fans, as Silva has been a crucial player for the team this season, providing creativity and control in the midfield.

However, Guardiola has a viable option to replace Silva if he is unable to play at Anfield. The Spanish manager has been impressed with the performance of James McAtee, a young and talented midfielder who has been playing for the team's reserve side. McAtee has shown great potential and has been praised by Guardiola for his vision, passing range, and work rate. He has also been training with the first team and has been involved in several matches, gaining valuable experience and developing his skills. If Silva is not fit to play, McAtee could be the ideal replacement, providing a similar level of creativity and control in the midfield.

The match against Liverpool at Anfield will be a tough test for Manchester City, as the Reds have been in excellent form this season. Liverpool's high-intensity pressing and attacking style will require Manchester City to be at their best, and the absence of Silva could be a significant blow. However, with McAtee as an option, Guardiola can still field a strong team, capable of competing with Liverpool's talented squad. The young midfielder's ability to read the game, pick out passes, and control the tempo of the match could be crucial in helping Manchester City to secure a positive result at Anfield.

In addition to McAtee, Guardiola also has other options to consider, such as Cole Palmer and Tommy Doyle, who have both been impressing in training and have shown their ability to perform at a high level. However, McAtee's experience and skills make him the most likely candidate to replace Silva if he is not fit to play. The young midfielder's development has been rapid, and he has been making a strong case for a regular place in the team. With the match against Liverpool just around the corner, Guardiola will be hoping that Silva can recover in time, but if not, he can rely on McAtee to fill the gap and provide a similar level of quality in the midfield.

Manchester City's depth and quality of squad have been key factors in their success this season, and the availability of players like McAtee is a testament to the team's strong recruitment and development policies. The match against Liverpool at Anfield will be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to secure a vital win in the Premier League. With or without Silva, Manchester City have the talent and the determination to come out on top, and the presence of players like McAtee and other young talents will be crucial in helping the team to achieve their goals.