City may have some glaring absences

NEWCASTLE United head to the Etihad today to face a Manchester City team who could be missing two key players after a gruelling Champions League campaign.

City were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday night by Real Madrid in horrific fashion, with Real overturning City’s lead by scoring three goals in the final minutes. There was further bad news when right-back Kyle Walker had to limp off due to an injury.

While Newcastle’s incentive will largely be individuals playing for future places, City are locked in a battle with Liverpool for the title, which means they will be desperate to grab three points.

Making their task slightly trickier, City may be without some key players for the televised clash.

However, with their superstar squad it is unlikely that Newcastle can draw much comfort from any absences.

The first big news is that Kevin De Bruyne is fit and available. There had been some doubt about his fitness after he was substituted against Real in midweek, but City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed in a press conference this week: “He’s good, it was tactical.”

Another big substitution against Los Blancos was Walker, who limped off in the second half and likely aggravated an existing ankle injury. There is no confirmation at this point as to whether he will play again this season, but it is expected that Joao Cancelo will step in as right-back on Sunday.

Finally, John Stones was also rushed back from injury for the Champions League but had to call it quits in the first half of the first leg against Real.