Big Erling Haaland injury update ahead of Newcastle United v Manchester City

Manchester City could be without top scorer Erling Haaland for Saturday evening's Premier League clash against Newcastle United (kick-off 5:30pm).

The 19-goal striker has been sidelined for just over a month because a foot injury. Haaland is back in light training but City boss Pep Guardiola admits there's only an 'outside' chance he'll make the trip to St James' Park.

“Erling is a little better, his bone, so we need to be careful,” Guardiola said before his side's 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup. "[He’s had] two or three sessions and feels good. Hopefully, [he can play soon but], I don’t know for Sunday or for Newcastle."

Although Haaland remains a doubt, Guardiola was boosted by the return of Kevin De Bruyne against the Terriers following five months out with a hamstring injury. The 32-year-old was introduced as a 57th minute substitute and he expects that to be the caseversus Newcastle too.

“I’m happy to be back and I felt good so I’m pleased about that but I’m still nowhere near where I need to be,” De Bruyne told reporters. “There will be moments where I want to play every game but I know in the back of my mind I need to take care of myself. I don’t expect to be playing too many games and Newcastle next week is a big game so I’ll expect to be back on the bench.”

John Stones is not expected to feature with his injury-hit campaign continuing. The England centre-back picked up a foot injury at Everton a fortnight ago and should miss the rest of January.

Manuel Akanji, Bernardo Silva and United-linked Kalvin Phillips missed the FA Cup triumph through illness but should return to the matchday squad.