Pep Guardiola gives Man City injury & fitness latest on Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne & Jack Grealish

Pep Guardiola has revealed Erling Haaland will not be back in time for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United.

The Manchester City striker has missed the last eight games with a foot injury and Guardiola had said last week that he hoped the striker would be fit to feature against the Magpies. However, speaking ahead of the game, the City manager confirmed Haaland is out, along with John Stones, while he also said Jack Grealish could miss out due to illness.

“Jack has been sick and hopefully today he is back. Erling is out and John is out. I think that’s everything,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Guardiola surprisingly explained that Kevin De Bruyne could be available to start against Newcastle.

“What I saw yesterday he looks really good and dynamic. The minutes he played were really good, better than the training session before the Huddersfield game where he was a little bit now what he is. 

“It's normal when you come from five months of injury to have highs and lows in training. He is getting better. We have a game, then we will do four or five training sessions in Abu Dhabi and that will help us to be better for the next months.”

Due to the long-term nature of the injury, Guardiola had previously stressed the importance of De Bruyne being eased back in during previous press conferences. Meanwhile, the Belgian also said last week that he did not expect to start at St James' Park.

City head into the game in third place and are five points behind leaders Liverpool, albeit the champions Jurgen Klopp's side have played an extra match.