Manchester City could receive a timely boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Newcastle United on 21 February 2026, with Erling Haaland’s fitness the main focus.
Pep Guardiola’s side eased past Salford City 2-0 in the FA Cup on 15 February but did so without their leading striker. With City now four points behind Arsenal at the top of the table and entering a favourable run of fixtures, Haaland’s availability could prove decisive.
Here is the latest Manchester City injury update and expected return dates.
Erling Haaland fitness latest
Haaland missed the FA Cup tie after suffering a knock in the 3-0 win over Fulham, where he scored before being withdrawn at half-time.
Guardiola downplayed the issue before the Salford match, describing it as not serious. Haaland attended the game and appeared to be moving freely, which suggests the problem is precautionary rather than structural.
A final decision is expected following Guardiola’s pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle.
Potential return date: 21 February 2026 vs Newcastle (H)
Jeremy Doku calf recovery
Doku has not featured since sustaining a calf injury in the Champions League win over Galatasaray in late January.
Assistant coach Pep Lijnders previously indicated the injury was similar to a prior setback but located centrally rather than on the lateral side. The recovery timeline could be slightly shorter than the previous 18-day absence, though no official clearance has yet been confirmed.
Potential return date: 21 February 2026 vs Newcastle (H)
Savinho quad issue
Savinho has been out since early January with a quad injury suffered against Sunderland. Guardiola suggested in late January that the winger could return within two to three weeks, though he was not included in the squad against Salford.
If training progresses as expected, he could be available either for Newcastle at home or Leeds United away on 28 February.
Potential return date: 21 February 2026 (H) or 28 February 2026 (A)
Josko Gvardiol long-term absence
Gvardiol suffered a broken leg in a collision at Chelsea on New Year’s Day. The Croatia international is expected to miss the majority of the remainder of the season.
Potential return date: Unknown
Mateo Kovacic rehabilitation
Kovacic has endured a disrupted campaign following Achilles surgery last summer. Guardiola recently indicated the midfielder is feeling stronger compared to his initial recovery phase and could return to training soon.
Match rhythm, however, may take time to rebuild.
Potential return date: Spring 2026
Max Alleyne new concern
City were handed another defensive worry during the Salford victory when Max Alleyne was forced off after a collision. No immediate update was provided post-match.
Potential return date: Unknown
Key Insights
- Haaland’s injury is not considered serious.
- Doku and Savinho are nearing returns.
- Gvardiol faces a long-term layoff.
- Kovacic could rejoin training in the coming weeks.
- City are four points behind Arsenal in the title race.
What’s Next
Manchester City host Newcastle United on 21 February 2026, with Guardiola expected to clarify Haaland’s status beforehand. With Arsenal still within reach at the summit, squad availability will be crucial as fixtures begin to tighten again in March.
If Haaland is cleared, City’s attacking options will be significantly strengthened for what could be a pivotal stretch in the title race.
Can City sustain pressure on Arsenal if their key attackers return at the right moment?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *