Up to four first-team players for Manchester City may be sidelined for their Premier League match against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime.

Rodri may miss the remainder of the season due to injury to his knee ligaments, as verified by the Citizens. Oscar Bobb (fractured leg) and Nathan Ake (sore muscle) are also receiving treatment.

Due to a groin issue, Kevin De Bruyne has missed Man City’s previous two games. Pep Guardiola is doubtful if the playmaker, who has not yet returned to training, will be able to play this weekend.

In the EFL Cup match against Watford on Tuesday, Guardiola made nine changes to his starting lineup. He is expected to bring back several senior players for the match against Newcastle, including first-choice custodian Ederson, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol.

Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker both started against Watford, but only one of them is expected to stay at right-back. Guardiola might, nevertheless, deploy both in this situation, with Walker starting at right back or right centre back and Lewis filling in for Rodri in midfield.

The most likely starter in a deep-lying midfield position is Mateo Kovacic, although Matheus Nunes will also be vying for the starting spot following his first goal of the season in midweek.

Along with Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva—who scored twice in a 2-0 FA Cup victory over Newcastle in March—all have a chance to start in a central midfield role. Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Jack Grealish will compete for starts on the wings.

Erling Haaland, who has scored 10 Premier League goals in just five games this season, was granted time off to attend the funeral of close family friend Ivar Eggja in his home country of Norway. As a result, he was not present against Watford. However, on Saturday, Haaland is anticipated to start.

Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Lewis, Kovacic, Savinho, Bernardo, Gundogan, Doku, and Haaland might be Manchester City’s starting lineup.