Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has provided fresh fitness updates on his injury-hit squad ahead of Saturday night’s Premier League showdown against Manchester City.
The Magpies head into the clash in a confident mood after putting together an impressive run of three consecutive away victories across three different competitions, with wins over Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Qarabag FK.
That momentum will now be tested as Newcastle return to league action, looking to build on their recent Premier League success away at Spurs.
The only positive news from Howe’s update concerns Sven Botman, with the Newcastle boss confirming that the centre-back is expected to return to the matchday squad for the trip to Manchester.
Botman has missed the club’s last two fixtures with a back injury, but his recovery has progressed well enough to put him back in contention.
There was less encouraging news for Yoane Wissa, who will miss the City clash after picking up a nasty knock in training.
However, Howe is optimistic that the striker could be available for Newcastle’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Qarabag next week.
Another player still sidelined is Tino Livramento, with the full-back continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Howe confirmed that Livramento is making good progress, but early March remains the expected timeframe for his return.
Newcastle will also remain without club captain Bruno Guimaraes (hamstring), Lewis Miley (thigh), Fabian Schar (ankle) and Emil Krafth (knee), with the latter ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery.
The return of Botman offers a timely boost for Howe, especially after Joelinton’s recent comeback from injury, as Newcastle prepare for another stern test against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Newcastle United will be aiming to carry their strong away form into the Etihad and deliver another statement performance as they look to do a league double of Manchester City this season, having emerged 2-1 victors from their last PL meeting at St. James’ Park back in November.
