Newcastle United suffer injury blow ahead of Man City as Kevin De Bruyne fires warning

Newcastle United have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of the weekend game with title-chasing Manchester City.

It comes after Joelinton was forced off during the 3-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday at the Stadium of Light in the FA Cup third round win. Joelinton played a key role in Newcastle's opening goal with his cross into the box being turned in by Sunderland's Dan Ballard. Alexander Isak scored twice in the second half to secure a comfortable win for The Magpies.

Shortly after Newcastle's second goal, Joelinton was withdrawn after a thigh injury picked up in the first half.

Reflecting on the match, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said Joelinton's injury was the 'only negative' from an otherwise positive day for his side as they progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

"One negative is the injury to Joelinton," Howe said afterwards. "He felt his thigh switching play. We don’t know what that looks like yet."

Joelinton will be a doubt for Newcastle's return to Premier League action against Manchester City at St James' Park next Saturday (5:30pm kick-off).

Meanwhile, City have been buoyed by the return of Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne hasn’t featured in the league for the reigning champions since being injured against Burnley on the opening day of the season, however, the Belgian was introduced in the 57th minute of their FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town on Sunday as Pep Guardiola’s side ran out comfortable 5-0 winners. 

The 32-year-old even recorded an assist during his time on the pitch and after the game, De Bruyne posted a picture on social media of him back in action with the caption: ‘Guess who’s back?’.