Pep Guardiola Newcastle United press conference – Gives Manchester City injury update | OneFootball

The Pep Guardiola Newcastle United press conference has taken place.

The Man City boss speaking ahead of Saturday’s match.

A 3pm kick-off at the Etihad, where the match result could have a major bearing on which of the two clubs finishes higher this season.

Pep Guardiola confirming a new long-term injury plus another couple of doubts for the Newcastle United match.

Manchester City official media report – 14 February 2025:

Manuel Akanji will be out for eight to 10 weeks after suffering an abductor injury against Real Madrid. Pep Guardiola has revealed the Swiss defender will now undergo surgery to fix the issue meaning he is unlikely to return until late April at the earliest.

“I think it is the abductor,” said Guardiola.

“[He will undergo] surgery on Saturday, [and will be] 8-10 weeks out.”

There was slightly better news on Jack Grealish who was also forced off against Real Madrid.

“It’s not as apparent right now as tough as Manu has done,” said the boss.

“But I don’t know if he’ll be ready tomorrow. We will see and assess in the next hours.”

Finally, new signing Nico could be in contention to face Newcastle on Saturday after picking up a knock against Leyton Orient.

The former Porto star was on the bench against Madrid but wasn’t used on the night and while not completely free of pain, he could face the Magpies.

“Well it’s not a difficult start, he was injured,” said Pep, when asked if his new arrival had had a tough start to life with City.

“Difficult start is if he played bad but that’s not the case. He arrived with a little pain especially against Madrid he was not fully fit, but day by day he is getting better.

“Like I said before with Jack we’ll assess in the next few hours.”

The Manchester City manager at his Newcastle United press conference, commenting on various other things:

“Newcastle always have been a difficult side to play since Eddie Howe took over.

“They have good form and unbelievable pace.

“It’s a credit to them.

“We have made some steps backwards compared to the progress made in previous seasons, but we are at home with our people so we will try to do it [win].

“We have always been so comfortable with the ball and we are now not so.

“You then have to rely on a physical presence and our physicality is not like other teams.

“Every time that we get a result the mood is better in everyone, but this season has been like it has been and we have to try to get results more often.”

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on recovering from the Real Madrid match/defeat:

“We’ve recovered and move forward.

“The next hours and day after are difficult.

“But they have to be better.”

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)

Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 26 February – Liverpool v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports

Weekend of Saturday 1 March –  Newcastle v Brighton (1.45pm) FA Cup fifth round ITV1

Monday 10 March – West Ham v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 16 March – Newcastle v Liverpool (4.30pm) Carabao Cup final – Sky Sports