Haaland still out injured, but De Bruyne may start at Newcastle, says Guardiola

Man City will still be missing Erling Haaland for the trip to Newcastle United on Saturday, but the Premier League champions have been boosted by the news Kevin De Bruyne is fit to start at St James' Park.

Haaland has been out of action since suffering a foot injury at the start of December, with the Norway striker having missed the club's last eight games in all competitions, although there was hope he could be back for the game at Newcastle on Saturday night.

However, City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Haaland, as well as defender John Stones, who has been suffering with an ankle problem sustained in the win at Everton on December 27, were both still sidelined.

"Erling (Haaland) is out and John (Stones) is out," said Guardiola. "I think that is everything."

There was some good news for City, though, with Guardiola confirming key midfielder De Bruyne was now in contention to start at Newcastle after finally recovering from a long-term hamstring injury.

The Belgium international, 32, first picked up the issue in the first half of last season's Champions League final win over Inter Milan, before re-injuring it in City's Premier League opener with Burnley in August, lasting just 23 minutes before undergoing surgery.

De Bruyne finally made his long-awaited return as a second-half substitute in City's 2-0 win over Sheffield United at the Etihad on December 30, while he also came off the bench in the club's FA Cup third-round victory over Huddersfield Town last time out.

"Yes [he may start at Newcastle]," confirmed Guardiola on Friday. "From what I saw yesterday [Thursday] I feel good about it. He got some good minutes in training.

"He is getting better now, he will have a few days off after