Here is Manchester City’s injury concern as they preparations for their return to Premier League action at St James’ Park, with Pep Guardiola’s team sweating on the availability of key midfield figures.
Newcastle, meanwhile, continue to navigate one of the most gruelling fitness crises of Eddie Howe’s tenure, as both clubs brace for a Saturday evening meeting shaped as much by absentees as tactics.
City already know they must travel without Mateo Kovacic, whose foot injury has ruled him out for a significant stretch.
The Croatian midfielder has been sidelined for weeks and is only expected to rejoin the squad closer to the latter part of the campaign.
Amid the Manchester City’s injury concern, Guardiola has managed to rotate and adapt with others players. However, Kovacic’s absence has reduced his options in the centre of the pitch at a time when fixtures are piling up across all competitions.
Yet the more pressing concern revolves around Rodri. The Spanish midfielder has missed City’s last two fixtures with a thigh complaint, but Guardiola’s side hardly missed a beat in his absence, putting four past Borussia Dortmund before dispatching Liverpool 3–0 in their last outing.
Despite that, Rodri’s presence brings a stabilising influence City rarely replicate without him, and Guardiola will give him every opportunity to prove his fitness.
The 29-year-old is “said to be close to being involved”, and City’s medical staff will run late checks as they decide whether to risk him from the outset or manage his minutes more cautiously.
Across the country, Newcastle’s situation is far more delicate. Howe, already contending with one of the longest injury lists in the league, has spent the international break hoping his players would return without fresh setbacks.
But with the festive fixture congestion looming and momentum needed after a stop-start run, Newcastle are in a precarious position heading into a clash with the Sky Blues.
The Magpies remain without Dan Burn, who is forced to sit out due to suspension following his dismissal against Brentford before the break.
Burn picked up two yellow cards in that match, meaning his punishment is limited to one domestic fixture.
Even if UEFA rules had permitted him to play the Champions League fixture against Marseille, Newcastle would still have been without him for the City match.
His absence further stretches Howe’s defensive resources during a period when Newcastle have struggled to maintain consistency across the back line.
Yoane Wissa, yet to make his debut since arriving in the summer, also remains unavailable as he works his way back from a knee injury suffered with his national team in September.
The forward’s rehabilitation has taken longer than initially hoped, though club staff believe he is edging closer to involvement.
While appearances against City are out of the question, a cameo at Everton the following weekend could mark the beginning of his integration into Howe’s front line.
For now, however, Newcastle continue to operate with limited attacking support from the bench.
Anthony Gordon, one of the most important players in Howe’s system, finds himself rated “50-50” ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
A hip injury ruled him out of the trip to Brentford and kept him away from England duty, preventing him from training throughout the last week before the break.
Although he has enjoyed a longer recovery window than usual—almost three weeks in total—his availability remains uncertain.
Howe will likely wait until the final training session to make a definitive call. Given Gordon’s influence on transitions and pressing, his absence would represent one of Newcastle’s biggest blows.
Nick Pope should, however, be available again after completing the mandatory 12-day concussion protocol following his early withdrawal at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The goalkeeper’s return brings some measure of stability, especially crucial when facing a City side known for exploiting the smallest defensive vulnerabilities.
Joelinton, who suffered a deep gash to his leg against Brentford, is another who has caused concern in recent days.
The Brazilian midfielder has been monitored closely during the international break, but early indications suggest he will be fit enough to feature.
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His physical presence and aggression in midfield will be crucial as Newcastle attempt to disrupt City’s rhythm and limit service into their forward line.
Newcastle also hope to welcome back Tino Livramento, whose pace and tenacity at full-back have been sorely missed since he sustained a knee injury in September against Arsenal.
The match against City has long been highlighted internally as a realistic return date, and his comeback could significantly bolster Howe’s options at both ends of the pitch.
The defender offers versatility on either flank, something Newcastle have lacked during a difficult period of defensive reshuffling.
Meanwhile, young striker William Osula is nearing a return after struggling with a foot issue that has kept him out of several recent matchday squads.
Although he may not be expected to feature heavily, his presence provides valuable depth in a forward unit that has recently been limited to the same faces.
