Manchester City will quickly put their record-breaking FA Cup victory behind them as attention switches to another major domestic challenge.
After dismantling Exeter City 10-1 in the third round of the FA Cup, Pep Guardiola’s side head to St James’ Park for the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
City’s route to the last four has been steady rather than spectacular. Victories over Huddersfield Town, Swansea City and Brentford have taken them within touching distance of a return to the final of a competition they last won in the 2020-21 season.
Since then, the trophy has remained out of reach, adding extra motivation as they attempt to regain their former dominance in the EFL Cup.
The visitors travel to Tyneside carrying an impressive 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions. However, that sequence masks the fact that their last domestic defeat came against Newcastle United, who beat them at St James’ Park in November.
Eddie Howe’s side are the current holders of the trophy and will be eager to take another step towards defending their title, especially in front of a passionate home crowd.
While City’s form has largely remained strong, Guardiola continues to juggle a growing injury list. Several senior players are unavailable, while others are racing against time to return before the decisive stages of the season.
Here is the latest update on Manchester City’s injury and suspension situation ahead of the EFL Cup semi-final against Newcastle United.
Defensive setbacks and long-term absentees
Manchester City’s defensive depth has been tested heavily in recent weeks, with injuries disrupting Guardiola’s preferred combinations.
One of the most significant absences is Ruben Dias, a player whose leadership and composure are central to City’s back line.
Dias suffered a hamstring injury during City’s clash with Chelsea and was subsequently ruled out for around six weeks.
The Portugal international is not expected to return before mid-to-late February, with a possible comeback pencilled in for February 21 against Newcastle United. His absence has forced Guardiola to reshuffle his defence, relying on alternative partnerships in high-pressure matches.
Josko Gvardiol’s situation is even more concerning. The Croatian defender sustained a tibial fracture in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea earlier this month, a serious injury that required surgery.
Gvardiol is now at the beginning of a lengthy rehabilitation process, which is expected to keep him sidelined for several months. As a result, there is no clear return date, and City will have to cope without one of their most versatile defensive options for the foreseeable future.
John Stones is another key defender currently unavailable. The England international has not featured since making a substitute appearance in a dramatic 5-4 win over Fulham at the start of December.
He has been nursing a thigh problem, and while there have been no major updates, his return date remains unclear. Stones’ ability to step into midfield or operate across the back line has been a valuable tactical tool for Guardiola, making his absence particularly challenging during a congested fixture schedule.
Further forward, City have also been hit by injury concerns. Savinho was forced off during the goalless draw with Sunderland on New Year’s Day, adding to Guardiola’s selection headaches.
Guardiola revealed before the meeting with Exeter that the Brazilian will be out of action for six to eight weeks. That timeline suggests Savinho will miss both legs of the semi-final, depriving City of his pace and creativity on the flanks.
Oscar Bobb, however, offers a more positive update. The young winger has been sidelined with a hamstring injury that has ruled him out of the last six competitive matches.
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Bobb is believed to be targeting a return before the end of the month, with January 28, when City face Galatasaray, marked as a potential comeback date.
His return would provide Guardiola with additional attacking options as the season enters a decisive phase.
Midfield concerns, availability boost and selection picture
In midfield, Mateo Kovacic’s struggles have continued to limit his involvement this season. The Croatia international underwent Achilles surgery during the summer and briefly returned to action in October.
However, a setback caused by calcification in his ankle and heel has restricted him to just two competitive appearances so far. There is currently no confirmed return date, and his fitness remains a concern as City balance domestic and European commitments.
Despite the injury list, there is some good news for Guardiola. Manchester City have no suspended players for the first leg, giving the manager full freedom when it comes to disciplinary availability.
The only confirmed absence unrelated to injury is Omar Marmoush. The forward is currently away on international duty, representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. Therefore, he will miss the EFL Cup semi-final against Newcastle United.
