Man City suffer fresh injury setback before Newcastle to compound Rodri blow

Kevin De Bruyne has added to Manchester City's injury woes ahead of their Premier League trip to Newcastle.

City already knew they would be without Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake for their trip, and Rodri's injury that he picked up against Arsenal has been confirmed as an anterior cruciate ligament injury that has required surgery. They will also have to do with De Bruyne as Pep Guardiola admitted that he doesn't know if the Belgian will return before the international break.

De Bruyne came off against Inter in the Champions League last week with a thigh problem. It was initially dismissed as a minor issue, but Newcastle will be the third game he has missed.

READ MORE: Guardiola confirms huge Rodri blow as Man City star has surgery

READ MORE: Manchester City boss makes Champions League claim after qualifications secured

"I don't know [when he will be back]," said Guardiola. "Maybe before the international break or after the international break. We will see."

However much of a concern De Bruyne's absence is, the club have been more rocked this week by news that Rodri will miss the rest of the season. Guardiola called for patience even when he returns to the pitch, but backed his players to cope without him.

“There was not one day in the last years I was not confident. Of course we are stronger with him but we are stronger with Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, Kevin," he said.

"We don’t want it but in football it happens. It’s pity because it’s a long injury - eight, nine months - but after it’s not like in one month you’re going to be ready. After that come the muscular injuries so you have to be careful.

"When you have an ACL injury for nine months the year after you have muscular problems for sure. So that’s why it’s longer