Manchester City travel to Newcastle United on Tuesday evening.
City head into the game 2nd in the Premier League and four points off league leaders, Liverpool.
After facing Newcastle, Man City have a tough run of fixtures that starts with league games vs Arsenal and Chelsea.
Chelsea have already beaten City in the Premier League this season. So, Pep Guardiola will be well aware of the threat they pose.
Given City could well drop points vs Chelsea or Arsenal, a win vs Newcastle is a must.
"The midfielders are very close, but not ready for this game so it's more or less the same [squad]."
Midfielders Jonjo Shelvey (thigh), Mo Diamé (hip) are still missing while Ki Seung-Yung returned from the Asian Cup with a hamstring strain. #NUFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) January 28, 2019
Newcastle head into Tuesday’s game 17th in the league just two points above the relegation zone.
The Magpies are also expected to be without three of their top midfielders for the City game.
Rafa Benitez gave this update on Newcastle’s injuries:
“The midfielders are very close, but not ready for this game so it’s more or less the same [squad].”
City boss Pep Guardiola has also provided an injury update on his own squad.
Benjamin Mendy has been out of action for much of the season with a knee injury.
Pep reports that Benjamin Mendy is "much better" following a minor reaction after his return in the Carabao Cup. Knee inflammation. Vincent Kompany still sidelined. #MCFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) January 28, 2019
The full-back would return in the second leg of City’s League Cup tie with Burton, managing 27 minutes.
However, Mendy would have a small reaction after playing vs Burton but Guardiola has now confirmed he is much better.
Vincent Kompany has also missed Man City’s last two league games and is expected to remain on the sidelines vs Newcastle.