Manchester City will assess the condition of three players ahead of Saturday lunchtime's Premier League clash against Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.
Aymeric Laporte (illness) and John Stones (hamstring) both missed the Citizens' 3-0 victory at Bristol City in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday, but the defensive duo could be involved in the matchday squad on Saturday as they have trained with the first team this week.
Backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega started between the sticks at Ashton Gate but was taken off at half time due to discomfort with his hand. Regardless of the German's availability, first-choice shot-stopper Ederson is expected to start against Newcastle.
After 12 successive matches in which at least one defensive change was made, Pep Guardiola has since named the same back four in City's last two matches, with Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake all starting in defence.
Considering the fitness doubts over Stones and Laporte, Guardiola could name the same defensive quartet on Saturday, although Kyle Walker could be recalled at right-back at the expense of Lewis.
Kevin De Bruyne recovered from illness to start and score in the win over Bristol City, and the Belgian playmaker is expected to continue in centre-midfield, while Rodri is set to replace Kalvin Phillips in the pivot role.
Either Ilkay Gundogan or Bernardo Silva could complete the midfield three, while Erling Braut Haaland is poised to return up front, with Julian Alvarez set to drop back down to the substitutes' bench.
Phil Foden has returned to goal-scoring form over the last week, finding the net three times in his last two appearances including a brace in midweek, and the Englishman could keep his place in attack, although Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish will both be looking to force their way back into the first XI.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake; De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan; Foden, Haaland, Grealish
Oliver Thomas
