Newcastle United face ‘very late’ injury call ahead of Man City clash

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The Magpies could be without a key player on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided an update on his side ahead of their clash with Manchester City this weekend.

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The defending champions travel to St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon looking to extend their perfect start to the campaign with a third consecutive win.

For their part, Newcastle are also aiming to maintain an unbeaten record, having taken four points from their opening two matches.

The fixture will see the two meanest defences in the Premier League go head to head, with neither side having conceded a goal in 180 minutes of top-flight football so far this season.

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But the Magpies may have to face up to City’s attack without the services of left-back Matt Targett, according to Howe.

Speaking in a press conference on Friday, the Toon boss revealed that the 26-year-old was facing a late fitness test, while also suggesting that winger Ryan Fraser should be available for selection.

He said: “Ryan Fraser we hope will be fit and available. He had a back spasm late last week so he was a late withdrawal from the Brighton game. Matt Targett we’ll make a very late decision on.”

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City’s recent record against Newcastle has been exemplary, with six wins in their last six meetings, and no defeats since January 2019.

In their last five outings against the Magpies, they have scored 20 goals in total, with their most recent victory being a 5-0 win at the Etihard back in May. Two strikes from Raheem Sterling, as well as efforts from Aymeric Laporte, Rodri, and Phil Foden were enough to seal victory for Pep Guardiola’s men that day.

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