Nico O’Reilly was missed by Manchester City in 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad on Wednesday night. Pep Guardiola’s side missed O’Reilly’s [physical presence and ability to get forward](https://esteemedkompany.com/2026/03/06/manchester-city-missed-a-young-midfielder-against-forest-which-speaks-volumes-about-his-importance-to-city/) against a plucky Forest side. Nico O’Reilly was ruled out of Manchester City’s match against Forest due to an ankle injury that he sustained in City’s 1-nil win over Leeds United at Elland Road. Up next for City is a FA Cup fifth-round tie against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park tonight. It has been revealed that Nico O’Reilly could potentially return for tonight’s match which would be huge for City.
Nico O’Reilly is a chance of returning for Manchester City against Newcastle United tonight.
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Pep Guardiola revealed during [his pre-game press conference](https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/pep-guardiola-fa-cup-newcastle-squad-news-63908394) yesterday that Nico O’Reilly is feeling better after the ankle injury he sustained against Leeds. Guardiola added that a decision on Nico O’Reilly’s availability for tonight’s match was due to be made after the Manchester City squad trained yesterday. Speaking on O’Reilly’s status, Guardiola said: “_Yesterday he felt better – we will see today._”
Nico O’Reilly will have a vital role to play for City across the back end of this season.
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It is good news to learn that Nico O’Reilly could return for Manchester City for today’s FA fifth-round tie against Newcastle. The young midfielder has become a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side and it can be argued that O’Reilly’s rise as a midfielder began against Newcastle. Nico O’Reilly started in midfield in Manchester City’s 2-nil win over Newcastle in the first-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie. He thrived under the physical pressure provided by Newcastle midfielder Joelinton and that game was a big moment in Nico O’Reilly’s rise as a midfielder.
As Manchester City begin to contend with a congested and trying fixture list, they will need Nico O’Reilly back fit and in midfield. O’Reilly offers strength in duels, quality going forward, and his physical attributes are completely different from any other City midfielders. It is hoped that O’Reilly is now over the ankle injury he recently sustained.
Pep Guardiola’s update on Nico O’Reilly is positive news. Hopefully, the England international can return tonight. City may well need his physical presence against Newcastle. More importantly, City will need Nico O’Reilly back as soon as possible. He is a key part of Pep Guardiola’s side. His growth has been impressive this season. He is a player who offers a different quality to the City midfield. That quality will be needed across the final stages of the 25/26 season.