Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Savinho is back in contention for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Newcastle, but Jeremy Doku remains unavailable.
City host the Magpies at the Etihad Stadium knowing a victory would trim the gap to leaders Arsenal to just two points, at least temporarily. With the title race entering a crucial phase, Guardiola’s team have the chance to apply pressure at the summit.
Savinho has been sidelined for almost eight weeks, having not played since the 1-1 draw away to Sunderland on New Year’s Day. The Brazilian winger’s absence has deprived City of one of their most direct attacking players during a busy winter schedule.
Doku, by contrast, continues his recovery and will not be involved this weekend. The Belgian has not featured since being withdrawn during City’s Champions League victory over Galatasaray at the end of January.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola offered a clear update on the pair’s condition.
“Doku is not ready and Savinho is ready,” Guardiola said in his press conference on Friday.
The brief but decisive assessment indicates that Savinho could return to the matchday squad against Newcastle United, while Doku will require further time before he is considered fit for selection.
City approach the fixture in positive spirits after progressing in the FA Cup. Last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Salford City secured passage to the next round and ensured momentum was maintained across competitions.
Notably, Guardiola’s side were afforded a rare free midweek, allowing players valuable recovery time in the midst of a demanding campaign. The manager believes the short break has come at the right moment.
“It’s important the players are revitalised and we’ve had few days off,” the boss added.
City’s relentless schedule has seen them compete on multiple fronts, including domestic cups and European competition, making rest periods particularly significant.
Guardiola has often emphasised the physical and mental strain placed on modern footballers, and this week’s pause provided an opportunity to recharge.
Erling Haaland did not feature in the FA Cup victory, raising questions about his fitness ahead of the Newcastle encounter. However, Guardiola did not express concern, instead focusing on the collective condition of the squad following their return to training.
“I don’t have to run one metre so for me it’s not a problem,” Guardiola said.
His remark, delivered with a hint of humour, underlined the contrast between the manager’s role on the touchline and the demands placed on his players on the pitch. Yet the broader message was one of satisfaction with the squad’s application in recent sessions.
“The players trained really good, they have a long week to rest and the next forget and training is good. They trained good the past few days.”
The meeting with Newcastle will mark the fourth time the two sides have faced each other this season across all competitions. City have already had the upper hand in the Carabao Cup, defeating the Magpies over two legs in the semi-finals to secure a place in the final.
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However, Newcastle United claimed a 2-1 victory when the teams met at St James’ Park in November, demonstrating their ability to trouble Guardiola’s men. Saturday’s contest therefore promises to be another closely fought encounter.
With Arsenal setting the pace at the top of the table, City know that any slip-up could prove costly in the run-in. Guardiola’s side have built a reputation for consistency in the latter stages of seasons, often finding another gear when silverware is within reach.
The possible return of Savinho offers an additional attacking dimension. His pace and ability to stretch defences could be particularly valuable against a Newcastle side that combines physicality with counter-attacking threat.
Whether he starts or is eased back from the bench remains to be seen, but his availability is a timely boost.
Doku’s continued absence, meanwhile, means City must wait a little longer to regain one of their most explosive wide options. The winger’s direct style and unpredictability have been missed in recent weeks, yet Guardiola has consistently urged patience regarding player recoveries.
