Newcastle United head into their highly anticipated Premier League encounter with Manchester City facing a growing list of injury concerns. Several key players are currently managing fitness issues, leaving Eddie Howe with a depleted squad as the Magpies look to carry their cup momentum into league action.
Defensive Setbacks and Midfield Woes
Newcastle’s backline has been significantly impacted, with Dan Burn (groin), Sven Botman (knee), and Jamaal Lascelles (knee) all struggling with injuries. Their absences pose a major concern, especially against a high-scoring City side. Joelinton (knee) and Harvey Barnes (thigh) are also sidelined, further limiting Newcastle’s options in midfield and attack.
One positive development for Newcastle fans is the potential return of Anthony Gordon. The winger missed last Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round victory over Birmingham City (3-2) due to a thigh issue but was spotted participating in training at Darsley Park on Wednesday. His involvement in team drills suggests he is on track to be available for Saturday’s match at the Etihad Stadium (3 PM kick-off).
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe addressed Gordon’s absence after the win over Birmingham, stating:
“We hope [he’ll be back at Man City]. We’ve treated the cups the same for the past few years. Everyone that’s fit we will take. So he’s not here [at Birmingham], which means he’s obviously got a problem.”
If Gordon is deemed fit, his return would provide a crucial attacking boost for Newcastle, who have struggled for consistency in recent league outings.
Newcastle Aim to Regain League Form
Despite their impressive performances in cup competitions, Newcastle have endured a rough patch in the Premier League, losing two of their last three matches. However, they remain level on points and goal difference with Manchester City, with only City’s superior goals-scored tally separating the two sides in fifth and sixth place.
Securing a positive result at the Etihad will be no easy feat. Newcastle have not won an away league match against Manchester City since 2014, a daunting statistic that highlights the challenge ahead. However, Howe’s squad will take confidence from their recent cup successes as they attempt to defy history.
Academy Players Called Up for First-Team Training
Due to the growing injury list, Newcastle have turned to their Under-21 squad for reinforcements. Three young players were pictured training with the senior team this week in preparation for the City clash:
Leo Shahar (17, right-back)
Jay Turner-Cooke (21, midfielder)
Sean Neave (17, forward)
Neave was included as an unused substitute in the FA Cup win over Birmingham, while Turner-Cooke and Shahar have both featured in friendly matches but are yet to make their competitive debuts for the senior squad. Shahar signed his first professional contract with Newcastle last season, whereas Turner-Cooke is in the final months of his current deal, which is set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Their involvement with the first team comes at a time when Howe is facing significant squad limitations. The injuries to Burn, Botman, Lascelles, Barnes, and Joelinton, combined with the winter transfer window exits of Miguel Almirón and Lloyd Kelly, have left Newcastle short of options ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
A Tough Test Lies Ahead
With limited squad depth and a difficult away fixture against the reigning champions, Newcastle will need to dig deep if they hope to secure a positive result. The potential return of Anthony Gordon offers a glimmer of hope, but Howe will have to carefully manage his available resources to navigate through this challenging period.
As Newcastle look to break their Etihad curse and return to winning ways in the league, all eyes will be on how they cope with their mounting injury crisis. Can the Magpies defy the odds and pull off a statement result against Pep Guardiola’s side? Saturday’s clash will provide the answer.
Newcastle United call-up 17-year-old duo amid major Anthony Gordon injury update ahead of Manchester City
