Man City: Kevin De Bruyne out but Jack Grealish could face Newcastle in FA Cup
Manchester City will be without Kevin De Bruyne for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final game against Newcastle United, but Jack Grealish is back in contention.
The Belgian star has been struggling with a groin strain, and played through the pain against Liverpool last time out, and was subsequently left out of Belgium’s squad for friendlies against England and Ireland.
Also missing is goalkeeper Ederson, who was forced to come off during their 1-1 draw with the Reds, but Stefan Ortega is the club’s cup goalkeeper in any case.
"Kevin's not ready,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday. “He already played in Anfield with some problems. But he's getting better. He's not ready for tomorrow. We spoke with Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco and he decided.
"I'm grateful because he didn't feel good and he could recover for the rest of the season. He played well (against Liverpool). All the players have problems, but the day after he didn't feel good, it's better to take care.
"Eddie (Ederson) is getting better, hopefully he'll be ready after the international break. Tomorrow, for sure (he will not play). He'll have two weeks off then, he'll recover, we'll see how he feels."
Guardiola also confirmed Jack Grealish has returned from a groin injury and will be a part of the squad. Grealish has not played since their 6-2 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup fifth round.
City are facing Newcastle for the fourth time this season, having beaten them twice in the league, but Eddie Howe's side knocked them out of the League Cup in September.
"This season and previous ones, since Eddie Howe was there and the people from Saudi Arabia took over (the club), it's always been tight games. We don't expect anything different," Guardiola said.
"We have an incredible chance at home with our people. We need the support of our fans in home games like we had against Manchester United (in a 3-1 comeback win), I don't remember that environment for a long time.
"Tomorrow isn't an exception. We need it to reach the semi-final at Wembley again."
Additional reporting by Reuters.
