Newcastle United will attempt to do the impossible this weekend when they face Manchester City in the FA Cup, but their opponents could be without a key player.
While the Magpies are sweating on Anthony Gordon‘s fitness after it was reported that his knee injury is not believed to be serious, Manchester City have a problem of their own.
This FA Cup contest will be followed by the international break, and a squad decision in Belgium hints that Kevin De Bruyne might not be available for Saturday night’s game at the Etihad Stadium.
Kevin De Bruyne has a groin injury
Belgium are set to take on the Republic of Ireland and England in friendlies during the international break, and have announced their squad for the two games.
It includes the likes of Jeremy Doku, Romelu Lukaku and Newcastle United transfer target Amadou Onana, but their best player is nowhere to be seen.
Kevin De Bruyne has not been named in the Belgium squad, with the Manchester City playmaker suffering from a ‘minor groin issue‘.
That is a blow for Belgium, while it would also suggest that he will not be featuring in Saturday night’s game against Newcastle.
De Bruyne was the difference against Newcastle in January
He was the difference between the two teams during the previous meeting. Man City won 3-2, and it was completely down to the introduction of De Bruyne.
The 32-year-old came off the bench to score a beautiful equaliser, then he produced a world class pass to allow Oscar Bobb to score the winner in stoppage time. It was devastating for Newcastle, who were powerless against the talents of KDB.
But he now looks certain to miss this weekend’s game, as Newcastle look to win at the Etihad for the first time since 2014.
Whether or not De Bruyne not featuring improves their chances remains to be seen, as Eddie Howe’s side will still have to deal with Erling Haaland, Doku, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and more…
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