Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan is expected to miss the Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash due to injury.
Gundogan missed the Round of 32 against Spurs and has been out sidelined for the past few weeks.
The 24-year-old was ruled out of Dortmund’s 3-2 victory over Werder Bremen over the weekend but has returned to training.
Gundogan faces a race against time to regain fitness ahead of the Reds clash which will see his side take on their former boss Jurgen Klopp.
The Daily Star newspaper claim Klopp wants to bring his former pupil to Anfield but Manchester City are reported to be leading the race.
City sporting director Txiki Begiristain has already met with Gundogan’s uncle and agent Ilhan Gundogan regarding a summer deal.
Ilhan Gundogan who represents the Dortmund midfielder does however, maintain that no deal has yet been reached with City.
“It is not true [that it is a done deal],” the agent is quoted as saying by Bild.
“There is no decision and everything is still open. Ilkay is focusing further on his recovery.”
Premier League giants Arsenal and Italian champions Juventus are also reported to be in the race for Gundogan.
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