Eddie Howe confirms major injury doubt for Newcastle United ahead of Manchester City clash

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has confirmed a major injury doubt ahead of the club’s meeting with Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime.

The two sides return to Premier League action following very different weeks on the pitch amid the Carabao Cup schedule returning for both sides for another new season, and an eventful week in particular for this weekend’s visiting side.

Manchester City’s season has been thrown into doubt after Rodri’s knee injury sustained against Arsenal last Sunday, while Pep Guardiola’s side had to contend with a 49-hour break before taking on Watford in the Carabao Cup third round.

Neither the Spaniard’s knee injury nor the heavily rotated side put out against the Championship side by Pep Guardiola hindered their progression in the competition however, with a fourth round tie against Tottenham away from home now awaiting following a 2-1 win.

Saturday lunchtime will bring about a much stronger challenge to Manchester City’s hopes of extending their unbeaten run into another contest, as they travel to the north-east to take on Newcastle United.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash at St James’ Park, the Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe confirmed that the club are not welcoming back any existing injury concerns for the weekend’s clash, but did offer updates on two new names.

“We don’t have anyone coming back that has been out,” Eddie Howe confirmed on Friday morning. “Matt (Targett) has had a flare-up of eczema so he’s been nursing that over the last couple of weeks.”

In a new update, Howe was able to offer a major concern surrounding star striker Alexander Isak, who is a doubt for the meeting with Manchester City through a toe injury.

“We are hoping to get him back training today but he won’t be involved in the game (against Manchester City). In terms of fresh injuries, Alex (Isak) is still nursing his toe injury and will be a doubt for tomorrow. He hasn’t trained yet so we will have to make a decision on him.”

Newcastle will have a point to prove after their defeat last weekend, falling to a 3-1 loss at the hands of Marco Silva’s Fulham at Craven Cottage, whilst their initial opportunity for redemption against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup was postponed due to flooding.

Manchester City will await further updates on the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne ahead of the weekend’s fixture, whilst all of Nathan Ake, Rodri, and Oscar Bobb are confirmed absentees for the reigning Premier League champions.