Man City could be without five players including Erling Haaland for Newcastle game

Erling Haaland, a sensation from Norway, has been sidelined for Manchester City’s previous four Premier League games. However, he may accelerate his recuperation in time to play against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon (5.30pm). Before that match at St. James’ Park, Pep Guardiola needs to assess the health of four more players.

After sustaining a stress-related foot injury, Haaland is recovering and returning to training. The 23-year-old hasn’t played for the treble-winners since their December 6 1-0 loss to Aston Villa.

Guardiola is expected to provide an update on the former Borussia Dortmund striker during his pre-match press conference, which is scheduled for this Friday afternoon. As a result, the striker did not play for City during their successful Club World Cup charge late on last month, but he did travel to Saudi Arabia with his teammates.

Although City easily advanced into the fourth round of the FA Cup without them, both Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips, who are rumored to be on Newcastle’s transfer radar this month, missed the 5-0 triumph against Huddersfield due to illness.

England defender John Stones is almost-certain to miss out against Newcastle with an ankle problem. The centre-back turned hybrid midfielder was forced off in the Everton game between Christmas and New Year and there are question marks over when he will return to action.

Manuel Akanji is the other known doubt for City at this stage. Guardiola welcomed back Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) for the Huddersfield win after five months on the side-lines and compatriot Jeremy Doku (thigh) is also available, once again.