Pep Guardiola now shares Rodri injury update ahead of Manchester City facing Newcastle United on Saturday

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As Newcastle United continue to struggle, they prepare to welcome Manchester City to St James’ Park.

Newcastle lost 3-1 to Fulham on Saturday, as they passed up the chance to briefly go top of the Premier League.

It was a very concerning performance, with Newcastle nowhere near good enough at Craven Cottage. Eddie Howe’s early season problems continued, while his big players failed to deliver once again.

While the Magpies had been getting away with it so far, that changed on Saturday. Newcastle United‘s poor performance resulted in a poor result, and now they are bracing themselves for the champions to arrive in the North East.

First up for Newcastle is Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, but then Manchester City head to St James’ Park for Saturday’s early kick-off.

Manchester City have a major injury concern ahead of Newcastle United trip

While Howe is currently trying to work out what his best starting XI is, Man City boss Pep Guardiola has a problem of his own.

His side are top of the Premier League after salvaging a 2-2 draw against Arsenal thanks to John Stones’ last-minute equaliser. It was an enthralling game of football, and one that saw the Gunners showcase the dark arts they criticised Newcastle for in the past.

But one of the game’s definitive moments came when Rodri was substituted. It was his first Premier League start of the season, but his afternoon was over after 21 minutes.

Rodri went off injured, and there are fears that he has suffered a significant knee injury – less than a week before Man City travel to Tyneside.

Pep Guardiola comments on Rodri’s injury after being substituted

After the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Pep Guardiola spoke to the Manchester Evening News about Rodri’s injury and why he had to be substituted.

“I don’t know, I didn’t speak to the doctor,” he said.

“Rodri is strong. He leaves the pitch in this action because he felt something, otherwise Rodri stays there.

“He’s the best holding midfielder in the world, He is a potential Ballon d’Or winner, I would love for him to win.”

Newcastle have their own midfield problems

It is unclear whether or not Rodri will be available to play at St James’ Park.

That creates a big problem for Manchester City, as he is pivotal to the way that they play. They were impressive against Arsenal in the opening stages on Sunday, but the tide seemed to turn when Rodri came off.

But while Guardiola might have to go back to being without Rodri and lean on the plethora of midfielders he has, Eddie Howe has his own problems in that area of the pitch.

Newcastle simply cannot find the right balance in midfield. Starting Joe Willock against Fulham was a mistake, while Joelinton endured another pretty miserable afternoon.

As for Bruno Guimaraes, he continues to struggle as captain. Bruno apologised for a major error against Fulham, as his wayward pass allowed Marco Silva’s side to make it 3-1 in stoppage time.

While Man City might be without Rodri against Newcastle on Saturday, it will not matter if Howe is unable to solve his own midfield crisis. The solution could be Sandro Tonali, with the Italian still waiting for his first Premier League start since October 2023.