Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that John Stones and Bernardo Silva will sit out Saturday’s clash against Newcastle United.
Stones, who lasted 90 minutes in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal earlier this month, is struggling with a muscle injury.
The clash against the Magpies also comes too soon for Silva, who was absent as the treble winners added the UEFA Super Cup to their extensive trophy cabinet in midweek due to illness.
There was some positive news for the Man City supporters to chew on, with Guardiola confirming Ruben Dias could return to the fold after recovering from a concussion.
The Portuguese centre-back was named in the squad for the Super Cup clash against Sevilla but played no part in the game as Man City emerged victorious following a nerve-racking penalty shoot-out.
“John [Stones] is out and Bernardo [Silva] is out – Ruben [Dias] I don’t know – maybe he will be fit,” Guardiola said when asked to deliver a fitness update on his squad during his press conference.
“Stones is a muscular issue. Last training, he did not feel comfortable. I don’t know how long he will be out.”
Man City kicked off their Premier League title defence with a resounding 3-0 victory over newly promoted Burnley.
However, they did not emerge from Turf Moor unscathed, as skipper Kevin De Bruyne lasted just 23 minutes before pulling up with a hamstring injury.
The Belgian had just returned from an extended lay-off but is set for another time out amid reports confirming he could spend up to four months in the treatment room.
Guardiola’s side will miss the 32-year-old playmaker as they prepare to face Eddie Howe’s rampant Magpies, who began their campaign with a statement after thrashing Aston Villa 5-1 in Tyneside.
Man City’s injury problems will come as good news to Newcastle, who will be hoping to take advantage of a significantly weakened team.
There has been much talk about Howe’s side potentially being one-season wonders, but they now have a chance to set the record straight at the home of the champions.
