Newcastle United may be missing 10 senior players ahead of tonight’s clash with Man City, but the champions face injury issues of their own.
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland (foot) has been ruled out of the game after suffering a “little setback”, with defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji also sidelined.
Kevin De Bruyne is back in contention, but it’s a welcome boost to hear Haaland will not return for this one after an incredible 71 goals over the past season and a half.
For Newcastle, Joelinton (thigh) is set to be missing for six weeks. Callum Wilson, Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, and Jacob Murphy haven’t recovered from injuries in time for this one and Nick Pope, Matt Targett, and Javier Manquillo remain out, while Sandro Tonali is suspended.
Asked about the trip to Tyneside, Guardiola said: “It always has been difficult, especially since Eddie Howe took over. We have faced each other many times when he was at Bournemouth and now at Newcastle. We have a good history together.”
Howe on Joelinton’s injury:
“The prospects over the next couple of weeks aren’t good. It’s an injury that will see him (Joelinton) miss a minimum of six weeks. It’s a real blow for us as he’s a key player. He’s had a stop-start season unfortunately. He was so consistent last year but he’s had a few different problems [this year].
“This is a big blow. We have nobody immediately coming back but there is nobody like Joelinton. So this is a big one.
“Joey has got a problem with his tendon in his quad. It’s a difficult place to get an injury hence the reason why he’s out. He’s very disappointed and we’ve been trying to pick him up. Joey’s injury is a freak one where he’s standing up and been caught off balance.”
Howe on Barnes, Anderson, Willock and Wilson:
“Harvey is getting closer. He hasn’t been training with the group, but he’s been running on the grass with his boots back on and he’s been kicking balls around. We’re pleased with his progress currently, but he still has a long way to go.
“Elliot [Anderson] is continuing his rehab from a stress fracture in his back. It’s a difficult injury to manage. He’s not been very active. He’ll have another scan next week. [Joe] Willock is improving. He’s building up his strength in his Achilles and looking better but he’s still not right. They won’t be back anytime soon.
“We’re well aware of what Callum’s problem is and the timescale on it. We’re hoping that he can be back in and around for the Aston Villa game, that’s what we’re looking at. Obviously, if it takes a bit longer, we’ll take that time, but we don’t see it being a long-term issue.”
