Pep Guardiola confirms 2 key Manchester City stars are set to miss PL clash against Newcastle

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that his team will be missing two important players when they face Newcastle United this weekend. The Cityzens will be looking to close the gap with leaders Liverpool, but will have to do so without Erling Haaland and John Stones.

Premier League top scorer Haaland has missed out on a significant number of games this season with a foot injury. The Norwegian striker last featured for the champions on December 6 as they lost to Aston Villa, and has not been seen since.

Pep Guardiola has revealed now that Haaland remains unavailable for selection for the match against Newcastle United. The Cityzens won the first league meeting between the sides by a lone goal in August before losing to them in the Carabao Cup.

Haaland has been in training for weeks but is not ready for a return to the Matchday squad for Manchester City. The 23-year-old missed out on their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia, but is expected to return to action before long.

In addition to Erling Haaland, Guardiola's side will also be without John Stones for the encounter at St. James' Park. The 29-year-old centre-back remains out with an ankle injury he picked up two weeks ago in the league win over Everton.

Haaland has been his usual impressive self this season for the Cityzens, with 14 goals and four assists in 15 league appearances. Stones has had an injury-hit season and has made only eight league appearances for Manchester City this campaign.

Manchester City set for key clash against depleted Newcastle United

Newcastle United have faced a plethora of injury problems this season, with versatile player Joelinton their latest absentee through injury. The Magpies have lost seven of their last 10 games in all competitions this season.

Manchester City are on the up following a disappointing run of form domestically in November and December. They are on a run of five successive wins and are unbeaten in their last eight across all competitions.

The Cityzens received a huge boost last week as Kevin De Bruyne made his long-awaited return from injury, and he provided an assist within minutes. Forward Jack Grealish is a doubt for the game, as he is suffering from an illness, making his involvement doubtful.

Newcastle United are ninth in the league, while the Cityzens are in third place. A win should be enough to take them up to second place in the standings, two points behind leaders Liverpool.