Newcastle United and Manchester City are both contending with a number of injury concerns ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash at St James Park.
Both sides will head into the game on the back of successful FA Cup third round ties against Championship opposition after City saw off Huddersfield Town at the Etihad Stadium and Newcastle claimed a 3-0 win at North East rivals Sunderland.
The return to Premier League action will be key for both Eddie Howe and Pep Guardiola as they look to keep track with the sides immediately above them in the table. Newcastle's recent run of poor form has seen the Magpies slip to ninth place and they now lie five points adrift of the European places. City also have a five-point deficit to make up on current leaders Liverpool in what looks to be shaping up as a dramatic title race.
With days to go until Saturday evening's clash, NewcastleWorld looks at the early team news and latest injury news on both sides.
1. DOUBT: Jack Grealish
2. OUT: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Speaking last week, City boss Pep Guardiola said: "Erling is a little better, his bone, so we need to be careful. (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."
3. OUT: John Stones
The England defender is expected to miss the game at St James Park and will not return to contention until the end of the month after suffering an ankle injury.
4. OUT: Sandro Tonali
The midfielder was given a 10-month ban from football in October after breaching Italian betting regulations. Photo: Stu Forster