Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given a fitness update on several of his players ahead of the Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Saturday
Manchester City welcome Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium looking to make it five wins on the bounce in all competitions and keep the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table. There is some favourable news for their quest to do so in the return of Savinho, although Jérémy Doku remains out.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva, who both missed last weekend’s FA Cup win over Salford City, are both expected to return. The pair were reported as being short of fitness for that game, but it appears it may have simply been a case of rest and load management.
When asked about Haaland specifically, the Catalan coach gave a reassuring nod.
Pep 💬 (On squad fitness) [Erling Haaland] *nods*
[Jeremy] Doku is not ready, Savinho is ready. pic.twitter.com/0s2kmYMeRz
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 20, 2026
The game on Saturday presents Guardiola’s side with the chance to make up further ground on Arsenal, who have drawn their last two Premier League games and make the short trip to play Tottenham on Sunday. The Gunners remain five points clear of City as things stand, but have played a game more.
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With City competing on four fronts this season, Guardiola will be pleased that he is close to having most of his squad available again. Mateo Kovacic is expected back in training soon, Doku should be close to a return, while Savinho is officially back in contention.
“Doku is not ready, Savinho is ready,” said Guardiola at his press conference on Friday.
The Catalan coach would not be drawn into further specifics, but did nod when asked if Haaland was “fully fit”. Both the Norwegian striker and Bernardo Silva can be expected to retake their places in the team on Saturday.
Timely boost for Guardiola
With Haaland and Silva looking like they are ready and raring to go again, it seems that the opportunity to rest both against Salford came as a godsend to Guardiola as he seeks to manage the workload of a squad aiming for the quadruple.
After Haaland was subbed at half time the previous week against Fulham, there had been alarm bells sounding regarding his fitness; however, it seems that a week off has done him the power of good.
Another advantage for Man City as they prepare to take on Newcastle is that they had no midweek fixture. At this busy time of year, that emphasises the importance of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League.
The Citizens did so, albeit squeezing into 8th by virtue of a mere point, and thus have had a much needed midweek break. Newcastle, on the other hand had a gruelling trip to Qarabag on Wednesday and those miles may feel heavy in the legs at the Etihad come Saturday.
