Riyad Mahrez’s Reason for being Absent when Against Liverpool

DBasia.news –  Riyad Mahrez missed the Community Shield match between Manchester City against Liverpool at Wembley, Sunday evening (4/8), because Pep Guardiola was worried that Mahrez was affected by problems related to doping use.

Riyad Mahrez was the mainstay of Manchester City last season. Although not always appearing as a starter,the former Leicester City is often a way out when The Citizens faces a deadlock.

Riyad Mahrez has been seen training again with Manchester City after bringing Algeria to win the 2019 African Cup. However, Mahrez did not get a chance to enter the team.

Manchester City does not want to take the risk as they do not know the details of the drug used by Mahrez to cure sinus disease. The Citizens worry, there are drugs that contain substances that are prohibited by FIFA.

“That is why he is not in the squad to play for a few minutes. He can play in the match, but we do not want to take risks. As the doctors do not have the right medicines,” Pep Guardiola said.

Although Riyad Mahrez did not appear, Manchester City still came out as Community Shield champions. The Citizens achieved the victory in the penalty shootout round.

Manchester City took the lead through Raheem Sterling in the 12th minute. The former Liverpool player received a pass from David Silva.

Liverpool equalized to 1-1 in the 78th minute. Starting from a dead ball scheme, Virgil van Dijk’s bait was completed by Joel Matip and became a goal. The 1-1 score lasted until normal time was over.

In the high-fives round, Claudio Bravo emerged as a Manchester City’s hero. The goalkeeper was able to dismiss the execution of Georginio Wijnaldum. Meanwhile, five Man City executors carried out their duties well. The Citizens are 5-4 ahead of Liverpool.