Man City host Newcastle in a game which promises to have huge implications on the Champions League race

Manchester City will look to bounce back from their dramatic 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid when they take on Newcastle United in a crucial Premier League contest.

The Cityzens, who twice squandered leads against the European champions, rediscovered some of their true flair and creativity in the early stages by taking a 19th minute lead through Erling Haaland, but ultimately ran out of steam in the closing stages as winger Jack Grealish and defender Manuel Akanji both picked up injuries.

Meanwhile, the returning Nathan Ake, who has missed the last six matches, was also replaced by Mateo Kovacic on the hour mark in a final 30 minutes to forget for Pep Guardiola and his team. City face a host of key decisions ahead of the Newcastle game, but know they will need to pick up all three points against the Carabao Cup finalists to give themselves the best chance of qualifying for the Champion League again next term.

The Sky Blues have been hugely inconsistent in the league and suffered a demoralising 5-1 defeat to Arsenal last time out. Ahead of a crucial game in the race for Europe, we take a look at the injury situation from inside both camps.

Manchester City injury news

Rodri - out: Ballon d’Or winner Rodri sustained a serious ACL injury in September and has been a huge miss for City in this year’s title defence. The Spaniard is aiming to return before the end of the season and was surprisingly included in City’s Champions League knockout squad.

Jack Grealish - doubt: Jack Grealish impressed in the opening half hour against Real Madrid but was forced off with an apparent muscle problem. Pep Guardiola commented: “I don't know yet. But if they have gone out for muscular reasons, maybe they will not be there [for the next two games].”

Manuel Akanji - doubt: Swiss international Manuel Akanji is currently being assessed after picking up an injury against Real Madrid. He finds himself in a similar position to Grealish and is a doubt for the Newcastle contest this weekend.

Oscar Bobb - out: The City academy product has missed the entire season so far with a leg problem. He had returned to training but hurt his ankle ahead of the FA Cup win over Leyton Orient.

Newcastle United injury news

Dan Burn - Doubt: Dan Burn was one of just two names who remained in the starting line-up for Newcastle’s FA Cup win over Birmingham after also starting in the Carabao Cup victory against Arsenal. He was forced off in the 55th minute at the weekend during a 3-2 FA Cup win against Birmingham City. Eddie Howe said: “We were forced to take Dan off. It was something with his groin. Fingers crossed, it’s not too bad.”

Sven Botman - Doubt: Netherlands international Sven Botman had just shown signs of getting back up to speed from an ACL injury when he was substituted off the field with a knock during the semi-final victory over Arsenal. Howe said: “I don't think he'll be available this weekend. He's taken a knock to the knee, the opposite one to the ACL. It isn't a serious injury, but it'll keep him out of Birmingham before we assess him next week.” Said Howe in the build-up to last weekend’s FA Cup clash.

He is expected to face a late fitness test ahead of Newcastle’s trip to the Etihad as Howe faces a huge decision over his defensive pairing.

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Joelinton - Out: Brazilian international Joelinton has been at the forefront of Newcastle’s success story this season and has formed a formidable partnership with both Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. The 28-year-old missed the second leg of the semi-final with Arsenal and is currently nursing a knee injury. He is expected to miss at least a few weeks of first team action. Howe said: “We knew that we were missing Joe for a period of time... I think Joelinton will be out for weeks, not months. It is not a serious injury, but it is enough to make him miss the next few league games.”

Harvey Barnes - Out: Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes has produced his fair share of memorable moments from the bench in the last 18 months, but has struggled to gain a regular starting spot.He has missed most of 2025 with an injury he sustained against Bromley and suffered a minor setback in his road to recovery. Howe explained: “Harvey is a little behind; he is maybe two to three weeks away.”

Jamaal Lascelles - Out: Experienced defender Jamaal Lascelles has been out for the last 12 months with an ACL injury and is still making his way back to full fitness. He is expected to return before the end of the season, but an exact timeframe has not yet been set.