Trent, Alisson and Bajcetic are all scheduled to return ca. end of the month. Jones, Mo. and Gravenberch before the 10th.
I struggle to see anyone who wasn't on the bench against Forest being able to play a role by this weekend, although it would obviously be great to have Mo & Jones at least as bench options.
For this one I mostly want the midfield trio that will start against City get some time together on the pitch to dial in their connection. I don't mind if that is 30 mins, or more. This part of the field will be critical for City and for me this game is prep and prep only. Whatever the result of this first leg, we can turn it around if we need to after the City game, knowing that is our last game for 2 weeks.