Manchester City’s campaign has been influenced not only by their pursuit of silverware but also by the steady stream of injuries that have tested Pep Guardiola’s squad management.
Even as they reduced the gap on Arsenal to four points in the Premier League title race, the Cityzens have had to balance ambition with caution.
Their 2-0 FA Cup victory over Salford City offered safe passage into the next round, yet it also highlighted how carefully Guardiola is handling his resources.
With Newcastle United next in line, fitness updates could shape both team selection and rhythm at a crucial stage of the season.
Several players are edging closer to a return, while others remain some distance away. The coming days will determine how many options Guardiola can restore to his matchday squad.
Erling Haaland’s absence against Salford immediately drew attention. The striker had picked up a knock during the 3-0 league win over Fulham, leaving the field at half-time despite finding the net.
His early withdrawal sparked concern, particularly with a demanding fixture schedule ahead.
Guardiola adopted a calm approach when discussing the forward’s condition prior to the cup tie. He said: “[He is] not 100 per cent, but we’ll see today how he feels.
“It’s not a big issue, the doctor said to me. He had some disturbances during the game, that’s why he didn’t play the second half. We’ll see today [if he can be involved vs Salford].”
Haaland ultimately did not feature in the fourth-round contest, though his presence at the Etihad Stadium, moving freely and appearing relaxed, offered reassurance.
All signs suggest he could be available for the February 21 meeting with Newcastle, a fixture that may carry significant weight in the title race.
Jeremy Doku is also pushing towards a return. The winger has not played since sustaining a calf injury in the Champions League win over Galatasaray at the end of January.
While Guardiola has remained relatively guarded in public, assistant coach Pep Lijnders provided additional clarity.
“It’s a similar injury as last one, only at that time it was on the outside, on the lateral side, now it’s in the centre.
“Last time it took 18 days, I presume this one will be a little bit shorter, but it’s in the middle, so we have to take time and we will see. Jeremy is a very robust player, so let’s see.”
The expectation is that Doku could rejoin the squad for Newcastle, which would boost City’s attacking depth.
His pace and direct approach have often stretched opposition defences, offering an alternative dimension when matches tighten.
Savinho’s recovery is slightly less predictable. The Brazilian has been sidelined since suffering a quadriceps problem against Sunderland in early January. Guardiola recently provided a cautious timeline.
“Savinho still stuck. Yesterday he ran on the pitch so maybe two weeks or three weeks, or maybe less I don’t know.”
That window leaves open the possibility of involvement either against Newcastle or in the subsequent trip to Leeds United on February 28.
Although City have coped in his absence, his ability to carry the ball and isolate defenders has been missed.
If optimism surrounds the forward line, the outlook in defence and midfield is more complicated.
Josko Gvardiol suffered a broken leg in a collision away to Chelsea on New Year’s Day, an injury that has ruled him out for much of the season.
Having become integral to Guardiola’s defensive structure, his absence forced tactical reshuffles and rotation at the back.
There is still no confirmed return date for the Croatian international. City’s defensive adjustments have been reactive rather than planned, with younger players and versatile options stepping into unfamiliar roles.
Mateo Kovacic’s situation has also been frustrating. After undergoing surgery on an Achilles tear during the summer, the midfielder has struggled to regain consistent fitness.
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Guardiola acknowledged both the difficulty and the player’s determination when speaking recently.
“He tried to make surgery to be fit for the season and unfortunately it was not good. I spoke with him the last days and he said he feels really, really good compared to the first surgery and hopefully he can help us in the last part of the season.
“To have continuity of a game every three days will take time but as much as you can select good minutes he is a special player with special quality and mentality, another player for the biggest stages, he is so brave.
“First for his health and life to play football, that is what we want but Kova is an important player that we miss a lot.”
A full return is currently projected for spring 2026. Until then, City must continue without a midfielder whose composure and experience in high-pressure matches have been significant in previous campaigns.
There was also fresh concern during the Salford tie. Young defender Max Alleyne, recently recalled from his loan at Watford to reinforce a stretched back line, impressed before being forced off following a collision with Josh Austerfield.
He was replaced by Ryan McAidoo, and Guardiola offered no immediate assessment of the injury.
