Manchester City's huge blow as Guardiola loses two star men ahead of Newcastle United trip

Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, embraces Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Manchester City are facing up to the prospect of being without both Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne for their trip to Newcastle United next weekend. The two meet at St James' Park for the Premier League matchday six clash, with Eddie Howe's men looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing performance and defeat at Fulham.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola already knows his side will be up for a tough test at St James' Park, but their task will be even harder if two of his star men are missing. Rodri could be set for a spell on the sidelines after limping off in Manchester City's game against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Rodri had already been in the wars early in the game after a clash with Kai Havertz which kept him down for two minutes. Then after Erling Haaland gave City the lead, Rodri went down as a corner came in to spark calls from the crowd for a penalty.

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Rodri had in fact caught his studs in the turf and appeared to tweak his knee, immediately going down in considerable pain. After receiving treatment, he was able to limp off but had to be replaced by Mateo Kovacic. As he headed down the tunnel and he passed his manager, the influential player shook his head.

The blow comes after Kevin De Bruyne was not fit enough to make the matchday squad following his injury vs Inter Milan, with Guardiola describing the issue as 'not a big, big' injury in a pre-match interview. That suggests not something major but certainly an injury which could keep him on the sidelines for a week or two.

Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are City's other injury concerns with long-term problems. The Blues face Watford in the Carabao Cup just 48 hours after the Arsenal clash before travelling to take on Newcastle this Saturday.