Manchester City is set to face Newcastle at St James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday night, but they will be without striker Erling Haaland until the end of January. Haaland has been missed since suffering a foot injury at the start of December, but the Premier League champions have been boosted by the news that Kevin De Bruyne is fit to start at Newcastle.
Guardiola, the City boss, has expressed his disappointment regarding Haaland’s absence, hoping that he returns to play the last four or five months without any problems. City had hoped to welcome the 23-year-old back early in the new year, but the problem is proving more troublesome than expected. On the other hand, the return of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is a huge relief for Manchester City. The Belgium international has been out since last season’s Champions League final win over Inter Milan, but he is now in contention to start at Newcastle.
Guardiola has warned his players not to underestimate the challenge facing them, despite Newcastle’s recent poor form. City will be looking to close the gap on leaders Liverpool at the top of the table, with a victory moving them to within two points of Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Despite the absence of key players like Haaland and Akanji, Guardiola remains confident in his team’s ability to retain the league title this season. With 18 or 19 games left, and only five points behind Liverpool, City can statistically win the league. The club has already won two titles this season, and Guardiola is determined to make a legacy and dynasty at the club. In conclusion, Manchester City will be without Haaland and Akanji, but the return of De Bruyne is a significant boost for the Premier League champions. They will face a tough challenge at St James’ Park, but Guardiola’s men have the quality and determination to close the gap on Liverpool and retain the title this season.
