Manchester City sweating over fitness of key duo ahead of Newcastle United clash

Manchester City are sweating over the fitness of John Stones and Kyle Walker ahead of their Premier League meeting with Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe’s Magpies travel to the Etihad Stadium without Ryan Fraser - who is sidelined with a hamstring issue - but it is hoped Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar will be in contention.

Wilson and Trippier have been long-term injuries but have trained this week, while Howe hopes Schar is available, despite limping off against Liverpool last time out in a 1-0 defeat.

In the City camp, Stones has missed the last two games with a hamstring tweak. Pep Guardiola said the England defender would be assessed before Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final exit to Real Madrid but didn’t make the squad.

Another check on the 27-year-old’s fitness will be made ahead of kick-off.

Walker is slightly more of a doubt. The full-back was risked against Madrid after carrying an ankle problem - and it did not pay off as he hobbled off in the 72nd minute to be replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo all played 120 minutes in midweek but their rotation could depend on Walker and Stones’ availability.

In better news for City, Guardiola revealed Kevin De Bruyne is fit to play with his substitution in midweek nothing more than a “tactical” decision.