Norwegian striker Erling Haaland will be unavailable for Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League match against Newcastle due to a foot injury. The extent of his injury suggests that he is not expected to return until the end of January. Despite missing the past eight games, Haaland remains one of the league’s top scorers with 14 goals. His absence has undoubtedly been felt by the team since their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on December 6.
City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his hope that Haaland will be ready by the end of the month. However, he acknowledged that the recovery process has taken longer than initially anticipated. The specific nature of the injury indicates that it requires sufficient time to heal. Guardiola emphasized that time is an essential factor in any injury, regardless of the measures taken to expedite recovery.
In addition to Haaland, defender John Stones will also miss the Newcastle match due to an ankle problem. Guardiola confirmed the absence of both players, making it clear that they won’t be available for selection. Stones’ absence further complicates City’s defensive situation, as they will need to find alternatives to cope with his absence.
On a positive note, playmaking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne seems ready to start for the defending champions after returning from a hamstring injury. Despite recently making a substitute appearance in City’s 5-0 FA Cup victory over Huddersfield, De Bruyne made an immediate impact by providing an assist for Jérémy Doku’s goal.
Guardiola praised De Bruyne’s performance, stating that the midfielder looks “really good” and described him as dynamic. The manager’s indication that De Bruyne is prepared to start implies that he has regained his match fitness and will likely play a significant role against Newcastle.
After the Newcastle match, Manchester City will travel to Abu Dhabi for warm-weather training, preparing for their next game against Tottenham in the fourth round of the FA Cup on January 26. The team will undoubtedly benefit from the change in environment as they focus on further honing their skills and tactics. This training camp will play a crucial role in maintaining their competitive edge throughout the season.
Though Haaland’s absence is a setback for Manchester City, they can find solace in the return of De Bruyne. His resurgence will undoubtedly boost the team’s attacking prowess and provide Guardiola with a crucial asset to unleash on the opposition. As City continues to navigate through the challenging Premier League season, the availability of key players and their overall fitness will play a vital role in maintaining their title ambitions. The upcoming match against Newcastle and the subsequent training camp in Abu Dhabi will provide valuable opportunities for the team to showcase their resilience and determination.