Man City XI vs Newcastle: Predicted lineup and injury crisis ahead of Carabao Cup semi-final

Manchester City will need to reshuffle their defence when they travel to Newcastle United for the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.

Pep Guardiola heads to St James’ Park with a mounting injury crisis at centre-back, with Ruben Dias, John Stones and Josko Gvardiol all ruled out.

Dias is facing four to six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Stones remains unavailable due to a thigh problem, while Gvardiol suffered the most serious setback after breaking his leg against Chelsea.

City’s lack of senior defenders was evident in the 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter City, where Guardiola paired Max Alleyne with Abdukodir Khusanov at centre-back.

Alleyne’s loan spell at Watford was cut short to bolster numbers, and he marked his return with a goal at the Etihad. However, for a trip to Newcastle, Guardiola is expected to turn to experience.

Nathan Ake is likely to move into central defence alongside Khusanov, allowing Nico O’Reilly to return at left-back after scoring off the bench at the weekend.

On the right, Matheus Nunes is expected to replace Rico Lewis, who impressed with two goals against Exeter.

Gianluigi Donnarumma should return in goal after James Trafford started in the FA Cup.

In midfield, Rodri continues to build fitness after scoring and being withdrawn at half-time on Saturday. Phil Foden is expected to return after being rested, while Bernardo Silva could also come back into the XI.

With Oscar Bobb and Savinho injured, Guardiola remains short in wide areas. Jeremy Doku is set to start, while Rayan Cherki may operate in a more advanced role.

Up front, Erling Haaland is expected to lead the line despite being substituted early at the weekend.

Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, O’Reilly; Rodri; Cherki, Foden, Bernardo Silva, Doku; Haaland

Squad status

Injured: Dias, Stones, Gvardiol, Bobb, Savinho, Kovacic
Doubt: Ait-Nouri
Unavailable: Marmoush (AFCON)

City will aim to survive defensively and take control in midfield as they look to reach another Carabao Cup final. Newcastle, the defending champions, represent one of Guardiola’s toughest domestic tests of the season.