Manchester City Struggle to Regain Full Squad for Newcastle Clash

Manchester City will once again face difficulties in their upcoming Premier League match against Newcastle United, as they continue to miss their leading goal scorer, Erling Haaland. However, there is a possibility that Kevin De Bruyne could make his first start of the season, according to Pep Guardiola.

Haaland, who shares the top scorer position in the Premier League with Mohamed Salah from Liverpool, has been sidelined for the past eight matches due to a foot injury. Guardiola confirmed that Haaland will remain unavailable for the upcoming game, along with John Stones. On a positive note, Jack Grealish, who has been dealing with illness, is expected to return.

De Bruyne, who suffered a hamstring injury in the season’s opener against Burnley, made a substitute appearance in City’s recent FA Cup victory over Huddersfield. Guardiola expressed optimism about De Bruyne starting the match against Newcastle, highlighting his positive performance in training sessions. He also mentioned that De Bruyne will have a few days off after the game and will train in Abu Dhabi to improve his fitness for the coming months.

Manchester City currently sits in third place in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Liverpool, but with a game in hand. Guardiola believes that they still have a chance to secure their fourth consecutive league title, mathematically speaking. However, he emphasized that the team’s focus should be on taking it one game at a time, and their goal will be clearer when they approach the final stretch of the season.

After a rough patch in November, where City went four league games without a win, they have regained their form and won their last two league matches following their triumph in the Club World Cup. Guardiola attributed this resurgence to the team’s mental recovery and finding a spark during the Club World Cup. He also mentioned that they have already clinched two titles this season, adding to their motivation.

Newcastle United, on the other hand, is currently placed ninth in the standings and has suffered three consecutive league defeats. As they prepare to face Manchester City, they will aim to turn their fortunes around.

Reporting by Trevor Stynes Editing by Toby Davis