Man City injury latest as five miss Newcastle clash amid Erling Haaland return hope

Manchester City will be looking to make the most of being the only top four team in action this weekend when they take on Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola's men can rise above Aston Villa to second in the Premier League table with victory over Newcastle. The trip to St James' Park will prove a difficult task for City, having already lost there this season in the Carabao Cup.

After a poor run, compared to their usual standards, at the end of November and the start of December, the world champions have produced seven wins in eight games and have finally started to welcome back key players from injuries.

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Kevin De Bruyne made his long-awaited return from injury last weekend in the FA Cup against Huddersfield Town. The Belgian playmaker came through the half-hour cameo unscathed and will be itching to rediscover his best form for the second half of the season.

Guardiola isn't expected to throw De Bruyne straight into the starting line-up this weekend. The City boss insisted the plan remains to ease him back to action, with a start at Newcastle out of the question.

Jeremy Doku also returned to action for the Citizens on Sunday, scoring the fifth goal against the Terriers. The pacey winger had been out with a muscular injury, though his place in the starting line-up may be delayed this weekend to avoid another setback.

The player that City fans will all be hoping to hear good news on is Erling Haaland. The striker has been out with a foot injury but recently returned to first team training.

Guardiola will address the media on Friday,