Manchester City host Newcastle United in a crucial Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium. Both teams are vying for a top-four finish and a place in next season's Champions League.
Manchester City are back in Premier League action on Saturday as they welcome Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium. City made it through to the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-1 victory over Leyton Orient last weekend but couldn't build on that momentum in the Champions League in midweek. Despite taking the lead twice, City fell to a 3-2 defeat at home against Real Madrid and now face a challenging task as they prepare for the return leg in Madrid on Wednesday.
But before that, all focus shifts to a crucial Premier League encounter against a direct rival for a top-four spot. City and Newcastle head into the clash occupying fifth and sixth place respectively, both on the same number of points. Both teams are two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and know that a win will not only strengthen their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season but will also damage their opponent's ambitions. However, City will have to navigate this game without a couple of key players and are also monitoring the fitness of two more stars. Here's a look at the City injury situation ahead of the Newcastle clash. Manu Akanji sustained an adductor injury while blocking a cross from Vinicius Jr against Real Madrid. While he managed to limp through to half-time, he didn't reappear for the second half of the Champions League tie. Guardiola confirmed Akanji will be sidelined for at least the next two months due to the adductor injury, stating: 'Surgery on Saturday, 8-10 weeks out. Adductor is broken. We wish the best recovery for Manu because the effort he has done this season has been unbelievable. 'Him and Nathan played in difficult conditions and to help the team in emergency condition due to thee lack of players in those positions. In the end, the body said enough is enough.' Jack Grealish also went down against Real Madrid just half an hour in and requested to be substituted, looking visibly distressed as he headed down the tunnel. Following the game, Grealish offered an optimistic update on his Instagram account, writing: 'Hopefully the injury isn't too bad,' suggesting that any potential layoff might be minimal. Guardiola confirmed it is not a serious injury but that he is doubtful for the Newcastle game, saying: 'It's not as tough as Manu has done but I don't think he will be ready for tomorrow. We will assess in the next hours.' Nico Gonzalez, City's January signing, was substituted just 22 minutes into his debut in the win over Leyton Orient on Saturday. He was an unused substitute in Tuesday's defeat to Real Madrid and Guardiola confirmed this was due to the injury he sustained last weekend. 'It wasn't a difficult start, he was just injured,' Guardiola said. 'A difficult start is when you played bad but that was not how he played. He had a little pain and still for Madrid he wasn't fully fit. Day by day he's getting better and with Jack we will assess in a few hours.' Oscar Bobb, who has been sidelined for the entire season thus far with a broken leg, was closing in on a return. However, he is yet to be involved in a matchday squad, and his absence in the FA Cup victory against Leyton Orient was noticeable. Reports suggest he has suffered a minor setback in his recovery due to an ankle issue, which could further delay his return. Rodri, who underwent ACL surgery, is still hopeful of making a comeback before the end of the season, although Guardiola believes that would be 'not intelligent'. City wants to prioritize his full recovery and are happy to let him sit out the remainder of the season to focus on rehabilitation. However, Rodri has set his sights on a possible return for the Club World Cup in June
Manchester City Newcastle United Premier League Top Four Champions League Injuries FA Cup
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Clear Premier League big four - Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle UnitedThe Mag
Read more »
Newcastle United Face Manchester City Amidst Premier League Title RaceAn analysis of the upcoming match between Newcastle United and Manchester City, considering City's recent struggles and upcoming Champions League fixtures against Real Madrid.
Read more »
Newcastle United vs. Manchester City: A Crucial Six-Pointer with Champions League ImplicationsNewcastle United and Manchester City clash in a crucial Premier League match with both teams vying for Champions League qualification. Newcastle will be aiming to secure a historic away victory at the Etihad Stadium, while Manchester City seek to rebound from their disappointing defeat to Arsenal.
Read more »
Manchester City's Champions League Struggles and Tottenham's Europa League HopesThe article discusses Manchester City's surprising performance in the Champions League group stage, highlighting their struggles despite being considered favorites. It also examines Tottenham's Europa League campaign, noting their better performance in the competition compared to their Premier League form.
Read more »
PSG 4-2 Manchester City: City in danger of Champions League exit after collapseManchester City are in serious danger of crashing out of the Champions League after blowing a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 at Paris St-Germain.
Read more »
PSG 4-2 Manchester City: City in danger of Champions League exit after collapseManchester City are in serious danger of crashing out of the Champions League after blowing a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 at Paris St-Germain.
Read more »