Newcastle United 2-0 Crystal Palace: Joe Buck match reaction
Newcastle United latest news: Man City have been handed a bombshell injury blow ahead of their Carabao Cup meeting at St James’ Park.
The Croatian defender was substituted in the 51st minute of that match and was replaced by Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov. Gvardiol was able to walk off the Etihad pitch after being replaced by his manager, but his club have since confirmed that he has suffered a tibial fracture and there are fears that he has played his final game of the season.
A statement released by Manchester City on Gvardiol’s injury read: ‘Manchester City FC can confirm that Josko Gvardiol has suffered a tibial fracture to his right leg. The injury was sustained during the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.
‘The defender will have surgery later this week and assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis. Everyone at the Club wishes Josko a speedy recovery and mancity.com will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation.’
Manchester City face Brighton in the Premier League on Wednesday night in the first of a hectic fixture schedule for the Citizens. Gvardiol won’t feature in that game, nor will he play against Exeter City in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Pep Guardiola then takes his side to St James’ Park for the first-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Newcastle United. Gvardiol won’t feature in that game as City look to banish the demons of their 2-1 defeat on Tyneside in November.
Manchester City’s growing injury worries
Gvardiol is not the only Manchester City player to be currently sidelined by injury, with Guardiola having to deal with a number of concerns within his squad. Ruben Dias also limped off against Chelsea at the weekend whilst Nico Gonzalez was ruled-out of action before kick-off.
Savinho picked up an injury against Sunderland on New Year’s Day, whilst John Stones, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic are also sidelined with injuries. City also have two players, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri, away at the African Cup of Nations.
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Both Egypt and Morocco have qualified for the quarter-finals of that competition. Those will take place later this week and mean the pair are major doubts to make their return to club action at St James’ Park on Tuesday night, even if they both see their respective AFCON journeys come to an end.
Speaking about injuries affecting the squad, City midfielder Rodri admitted that they were taking its toll on their performances: “Injuries unbalance the team, every time a player goes (injured) - but we have to adjust,” Rodri admitted after their draw with Chelsea.
“It's not an excuse, we have enough talent to play [through] but, in the second half, we lose face a bit. This season is going to be long so we have to keep going.”
Newcastle United have never lost a League Cup semi-final and will take part in the final four of that competition for the third time in four seasons when they host Guardiola’s side next week. The return leg will take place on Wednesday 4 February at the Etihad Stadium.
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