Man City injury latest: Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and more | OneFootball

Man City Injury Latest: Haaland, Doku, Savinho Return Dates

Manchester City’s season has been shaped as much by absence as ambition. Even as they closed the gap to four points behind Arsenal in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola continues to navigate a demanding injury list. The 2-0 FA Cup win over Salford City brought progress, but it also underlined how carefully managed this squad has become.

With Newcastle next on the horizon, the Man City injury latest will define selection and momentum. Several key names are edging closer, others remain distant.

Haaland Fitness Boost Ahead of Newcastle Clash

Erling Haaland’s absence against Salford immediately intensified focus. The striker had suffered a knock in the 3-0 win over Fulham, departing at half time despite scoring as City surged into control. His fitness now dominates the build up to Saturday.

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Guardiola struck a measured tone when addressing the issue before the cup tie. He said: “[He is] not 100 per cent, but we’ll see today how he feels.

“It’s not a big issue, the doctor said to me. He had some disturbances during the game, that’s why he didn’t play the second half. We’ll see today [if he can be involved vs Salford].”

Haaland did not feature in the fourth round tie, although he was present at the Etihad and appeared comfortable. That image alone suggested reassurance. Guardiola will update further before Newcastle, but all indications point towards availability on February 21.

Potential return date: February 21 vs Newcastle

Doku and Savinho Recovery Timelines Clarified

Jeremy Doku has been missing since the Champions League victory over Galatasaray at the end of January, where he sustained a calf injury. Guardiola has offered little publicly, yet his assistant Pep Lijnders provided context.

“It’s a similar injury as last one, only at that time it was on the outside, on the lateral side, now it’s in the centre.

“Last time it took 18 days, I presume this one will be a little bit shorter, but it’s in the middle, so we have to take time and we will see. Jeremy is a very robust player, so let’s see.”

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The expectation is that Doku could also return against Newcastle, strengthening City’s attacking rotation at a pivotal stage.

Savinho’s situation remains slightly more uncertain. The Brazilian has been out since a quad injury against Sunderland in early January. Guardiola offered a tentative assessment recently.

“Savinho still stuck. Yesterday he ran on the pitch so maybe two weeks or three weeks, or maybe less I don’t know.”

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That timeframe aligns with a potential return either for Newcastle or the away trip to Leeds on February 28. City’s depth has absorbed his absence, yet his direct running has been missed.

Defensive Blow and Midfield Setbacks Continue

If Haaland’s situation feels manageable, Josko Gvardiol’s does not. A broken leg sustained in an awkward collision away to Chelsea on New Year’s Day has sidelined him for most of the campaign. For a player who had become a mainstay in Guardiola’s structure, the injury was severe.

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There is no confirmed timeline for his return. City’s defensive adjustments have been reactive since.

Mateo Kovacic’s recovery has also been prolonged. Having undergone surgery on an Achilles tear in the summer, he has struggled for continuity. Guardiola’s comments reveal both frustration and belief.

“He tried to make surgery to be fit for the season and unfortunately it was not good. I spoke with him the last days and he said he feels really, really good compared to the first surgery and hopefully he can help us in the last part of the season.

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“To have continuity of a game every three days will take time but as much as you can select good minutes he is a special player with special quality and mentality, another player for the biggest stages, he is so brave.

“First for his health and life to play football, that is what we want but Kova is an important player that we miss a lot.”

Spring 2026 is currently projected for full return. For now, City must plan without him.

Alleyne Concern Adds to Man City Injury List

Max Alleyne’s setback against Salford adds another layer to the Man City injury latest. Recalled from his loan at Watford to support a stretched defence, the youngster impressed before suffering a collision with Josh Austerfield.

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He was replaced by Ryan McAidoo, and Guardiola offered no immediate update. The extent of the issue remains unclear.

City’s schedule demands resilience. Matches arrive every three days, league margins are narrow, and European commitments intensify scrutiny. The Newcastle fixture on February 21 now represents a convergence point, where several players could return simultaneously.

For Guardiola, managing the injury landscape is as strategic as any tactical decision. If Haaland, Doku and Savinho are available, Man City’s attacking options expand significantly. Yet Gvardiol’s absence and Kovacic’s continued rehabilitation serve as reminders that this season’s narrative is still shaped by fragility.

As the title race sharpens, the Man City injury latest will remain a defining factor in whether they sustain pressure at the summit.