Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is set to make a late call on the fitness of Erling Haaland before naming his team for Saturday's Premier League clash against Newcastle United at St James' Park.
Haaland has missed each of the Citizens' last eight games in all competitions with a "bone stress reaction" in his foot, but the striker has returned to first-team training and could be in a position to feature in some capacity against the Magpies, most likely as a substitute.
John Stones is set to remain sidelined with an ankle injury, while Manuel Akanji picked up a knee problem in City's 5-0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town last weekend and is a major doubt for Saturday.
Ruben Dias could therefore be partnered in central defence by Nathan Ake, while Kyle Walker and Josko Gvardiol operate as full-backs in a fluid four-man backline protecting goalkeeper Ederson, who is expected to be recalled at the expense of Stefan Ortega.
Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips were both absent from last weekend's win due to illness, but they should have both recovered in time for the trip to Newcastle, although the latter is only expected to keep his seat warm on the substitutes' bench at best as Rodri and either Mateo Kovacic or Rico Lewis link arms in midfield.
Should Bernardo be fit to start, the playmaker could take the place of Oscar Bobb on the right flank, while in-form Phil Foden, who has scored four goals in his last four games, should continue in a central role as Jack Grealish operates on the left and Julian Alvarez leads the line.
Man City were boosted by the return of both Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku in the win over Huddersfield – the former set up the latter for City's fifth goal of the match – and the Belgian duo will be looking to get more first-team minutes under their belts as they continue to build up their match fitness, although a start for either player on Saturday is unlikely.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish; Alvarez
