The England international was drafted in from Arsenal on deadline day.
Speaking ahead of the game, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp discussed Barcelona's relentless pursuit of Philippe Coutinho.
He said: "It was not the most easy time, but that is the transfer window. I think we handled it really well.
"He could have played 15, 20 minutes in the City game, maybe longer, but I think really it makes sense [to leave him out].
"I said yesterday in the dressing room: 'Boys, welcome two new players: Alex [Oxlade-Chamberlain] and Phil [Coutinho]'."
Liverpool have scored in 13 successive games against City in all competitions.
But City are currently on an 11-game unbeaten run - and Sergio Aguero has scored in all five of his Premier League appearances against Liverpool at the Etihad.
Man City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Mendy, Danilo, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Silva, Aguero, Jesus
Subs: Bravo, Foden, Mangala, Sane, Gundogan, Delph, Bernardo
Liverpool: Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Klavan, Moreno, Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum, Salah, Mane, Firmino
Subs: Karius, Lovren, Gomez, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Solanke, Sturridge