Pep Guardiola reveals fresh triple injury blow ahead of Newcastle clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the fitness of Ruben Dias, John Stones and Bernardo Silva ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United.

The treble-winners face Eddie Howe’s Newcastle in their first home match of the new season, with both clubs having made winning starts to the campaign last weekend.

Manchester City, who won the UEFA Super Cup on penalties in midweek, beat Burnley 3-0 at Turf Moor last Friday, courtesy of an Erling Haaland brace and Rodri’s close range strike.

Meanwhile, Newcastle top the Premier League table after the first weekend of fixtures following an emphatic 5-1 win over Aston Villa at St James’ Park, where Alexander Isak scored twice.

Kevin De Bruyne suffered a devastating hamstring injury during the win at Burnley, with the Belgian set to undergo surgery and face four months on the sidelines – missing over 30 matches for Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola was also without Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias for Wednesday’s win over Sevilla in Athens, with concerns emerging surrounding the fitness of John Stones, who was an unused substitute in midweek.

Silva was ruled out of Wednesday’s win due to illness, meanwhile Dias could be available for selection after concussion protocols prevented the defender from featuring against both Burnley and Sevilla.

John Stones sustained a hamstring injury during training in Athens following the club’s Super Cup win, and as such will be unavailable against Newcastle, according to the information of reputable X user ‘FPL Maine Road‘.

Speaking about Stones’ condition, Guardiola confirmed the news, saying: “John [Stones] is out. Last training he felt not comfortable, I don’t know how long that will be.”

The England defender hasn’t featured for Manchester City since the FA Community Shield loss to Arsenal at Wembley Stadium earlier this month.

Silva and Dias are also doubts ahead of Saturday’s match, although the latter could be available to play.

“Ruben [Dias] maybe he will be fit,” said Guardiola.

“A few important players are not here, will not be here, and John [Stones] is out, and Bernardo [Silva] is out, and Ruben [Dias] I don’t know.”

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