Rodri, De Bruyne, Ake - Man City injury news and return dates ahead of Newcastle clash

Rodri goes off injured during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium.
-Credit: (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)


Manchester City are through to the Carabao Cup fourth round as they avoided an upset against Championship opposition on Tuesday night.

Pep Guardiola made several changes for the game against Watford, but City didn’t take long to take the lead. Jeremy Doku scored after just five minutes.

Matheus Nunes doubled City’s lead before half time and that is how the score stayed until the 86th minute when Tom Ince halved the deficit for the Hornets. Despite a couple of small chances for the Championship side, City were able to see the game out and book their place in the fourth round draw.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola double gamble gives Man City a boost despite impossible task

READ MORE: Man City player ratings vs Watford as Rico Lewis and Savinho impress

Attention now turns back to the Premier League with City travelling to Newcastle to take on Eddie Howe’s side in Saturday’s early kick-off. And they are expected to be without some big players for the match.

Influential midfielder Rodri suffered a knee injury in the first half of last week’s clash against Arsenal. It has been suggested that it is a serious problem that could see him miss the remainder of the season.

Kevin De Bruyne missed the clash against the Gunners with a thigh injury. The Belgian is not expected back in time for the game against Newcastle.

The nightmare scenario for Guardiola would have been to pick up more injuries against Watford. However, the only slight worry was debutant Kaden Braithwaite’s debut being cut short due to cramp, but that shouldn’t be a big problem for the Newcastle game.

Here is a look at the latest injury news in and around the Man City squad following the game against Watford and ahead of the trip to Newcastle.

Rodri

Injury: Knee

What Guardiola has said: “We are still waiting for the decision of the doctors, exactly what he has. When we know it, the club or myself, the spokesman of Man City will announce it.” (September 24)

In his post-match press conference, the City boss added: “Still we don’t have the definitive (diagnosis) but he will be out for a long time, a while. But there are some opinions that maybe it will be less than we expected.

“Unfortunately, he was injured, but right now I couldn’t tell you. We are waiting for the last phone calls from him and the doctors for what definitely he has and the type of surgery he has to get.

“He’s okay. He's strong, sad of course, and waiting for the final decision of what he has to do. We don’t want it, but we will (still) have a good season.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Kevin De Bruyne

Injury: Thigh

What Guardiola has said: “I don’t think it will be long. I cannot say how long for. I don’t know for Newcastle, but it won’t be long. [He has] discomfort in his legs.” (September 22).

Potential return date: vs Fulham (H) (5 October)

Oscar Bobb

Injury: Broken leg

What Guardiola has said: “It was in the training session. Unfortunately, he had a big impact and got injured. He is having surgery this afternoon. Hopefully, it will go well, and he will be back in 3-4 months.” (August 16)

Potential return date: Unknown

Nathan Ake

Injury: Hamstring

What Guardiola has said: “Injured. I think until the next international break. We are unlucky with Nathan - every time he goes [to play for Netherlands], he comes back injured.” (September 13)

Potential return date: vs Wolves (A) (20 October).