Manchester: David Silva missed training with a badly damaged ankle on Tuesday and is a big doubt for Manchester City's League Cup semi-final first-leg showdown against Liverpool, Goal.com has learned.
But it is understood that strikers Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko have both been passed fit for the clash at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
The pair were doubtful with ankle and knee injuries respectively but sources have told Goal.com that they will be available for the mouthwatering encounter against Kenny Dalglish's team.
Manager Roberto Mancini is considering another run-out for Owen Hargreaves while rookie Abdul Razak is set to be named among the substitutes.
Silva, who has been in outstanding form for City this season, was withdrawn at half-time during their 3-2 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.
Scans showed that the playmaker suffered heavy bruising around his ankle and he is regarded as a major doubt for the Liverpool match after sitting out the team's training session on Tuesday, a day before the game.
City do not yet know the full extent of the damage but the fear is that his absence could be a lengthy one and he will be on the sidelines for a few weeks.
The return of Balotelli, who has been out since the Boxing Day draw at West Brom, and Dzeko, who did not figure against United, is a relief to Mancini as his squad faces an intense schedule over the coming weeks, including the two-legged tie against Liverpool.
Mancini has been impressed with Hargreaves in training and is considering starting with the midfielder, even though Gareth Barry is available again after serving a one-match suspension.
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