Newcastle v Man City: Injury & team news with five doubts & 10 out - plus Erling Haaland latest

Erling Haaland could return for Manchester City’s Premier League encounter against Newcastle United on Saturday.

The striker hasn’t played since the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on 6 December due to a foot injury. Haaland has missed eight games as a result, but is back in training and might be involved when City travel to St James’ Park this weekend.

Speaking ahead of last Sunday’s FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town, Pep Guardiola said: “For Erling, it's a bit better, the bone and we have to be a little bit more careful. He has done two training sessions and the day after he feels good. They [Haaland and Jeremy Doku] are improving. I don’t know for Sunday, I don't know for Newcastle, but for the rest [of the games in January] they will be ready.”

Haaland subsequently missed the Huddersfield game, although Doku and came off the bench in the second half, and Guardiola is likely to give a further update on the Norwegian in Friday’s pre-match press conference.

Kalvin Phillips and Bernardo Silva both missed the FA Cup third-round victory through illness but should be back for the trip to the North-East on Saturday, while Manuel Akanji was replaced after 18 minutes last week after picking up a knock following a strong challenge from Huddersfield’s Alex Matos. Guardiola wasn’t asked about the issue after the game, but, like Haaland, will give an update on Friday.

With Kevin De Bruyne back, the only player ruled out for City is John Stones, and Guardiola confirming last week that the England international hasn’t returned to training since picking up an injury at Everton over the festive period.

As for Newcastle, they’re set to be without long-term absentees Nick Pope, Javier Manquillo, Matt Targett, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes, while Callum Wilson is expected to miss out due to a calf problem.

The only doubt is Joelinton, who was replaced in last Saturday's derby win over Sunderland with a knock. Eddie Howe described his withdrawal as a ‘big negative’ and should give an update on the Brazilian’s fitness in his pre-match press conference.

The Magpies currently sit in ninth place in the table and have lost their last three league matches. As for City, who head into the game on the back of five straight wins in all competitions, they are third and trail leaders Liverpool by five points.

Doubts: Joelinton (Newcastle); Akanji, Phillips, Silva, Haaland (City). Ruled out: Pope, Manquillo, Target, Tonali, Anderson, Willock, Murphy, Barnes, Wilson (Newcastle); Stones (City).