Manchester City defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones are both injury concerns heading into Sunday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.
After missing five games across all competitions due to an ankle problem, Walker was handed a surprise start against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, but he was forced off in the 72nd minute after aggravating the same issue.
Stones, meanwhile, did not travel to the Santiago Bernabeu as he continues to recover from a muscle injury, and both he and Walker are doubtful for the visit of Newcastle.
The potential absence of Walker will likely see Joao Cancelo start at right-back, while Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte are expected to continue in central defence, with either Nathan Ake or Oleksandr Zinchenko operating at left-back.
Pep Guardiola arguably named his strongest possible side against Los Blancos in midweek and considering the importance of Sunday's league game, the Spaniard could be tempted to name a similar XI against the Magpies.
Bernardo Silva was one of City's standout performers in Madrid despite defeat, and the Portuguese playmaker could retain his place in centre-midfield alongside Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne, though both Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho are also options for Guardiola.
Raheem Sterling – who started and scored in the 4-0 win over Newcastle earlier this season – has begun four of the last five Premier League games for City and the Englishman may be handed a start on Sunday, with either Riyad Mahrez or Gabriel Jesus potentially dropping to the bench.
Phil Foden, however, is expected to keep his place in the front three, while Jack Grealish – who has failed to score or assist in his last 10 league appearances – will be hoping to start his third successive league game.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko; Bernardo, Rodri, De Bruyne; Sterling, Foden, Grealish
Oliver Thomas
