Newcastle United are going to face a Manchester City team without Kevin de Bruyne tonight, and he is not the only star midfielder who will be missing.
It has already been confirmed that the Belgian superstar is unavailable. He is set to be out of action for the next few months after picking up an injury in the opening day win over Burnley.
However, Pep Guardiola has other injury concerns ahead of Newcastle‘s trip to the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola shares fresh Man City injury concern
Ahead of the game, Guardiola spoke to the media and provided an injury update. He stated that John Stones will miss the game, while Ruben Dias is a doubt. The Spaniard added that Bernardo Silva is also due to miss out.
Potentially being without those two defenders is a blow, but Man City do have a lot of cover at the back. Even without Stones and Dias, they have still got Nathan Ake, Aymeric Laporte and new signing Josko Gvardiol.
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But to be without Silva is a real blow for the champions. He is a key player for Guardiola’s side, particularly in the absence of De Bruyne, who is City’s chief creator.
Seeing players injured is never nice, but City’s absentees could enhance the Magpies’ chances of getting a result.
Big opportunity for Newcastle
It already feels like a lot is in our favour. The kickoff time helps Newcastle, with the game just days after Man City competed in the UEFA Super cup against Sevilla out in Greece. Guardiola wanted the game against Newcastle to be played on Sunday or Monday, but that is not happening.
On top of that, Eddie Howe’s side will arrive at the Etihad full of confidence. His team were sensational last time out against Aston Villa, and know that they are capable of causing Man City problems.
With Newcastle in fine form and Man City having injury concerns and limited time to prepare, perhaps this could be a perfect storm…