Pep Guardiola says John Stones and Bernardo Silva will not face Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Guardiola stated that Stones is suffering from a muscle injury.

Meanwhile, Bernardo missed Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup meeting with Sevilla due to illness and has not yet fully recovered.

The Catalan did have a message of hope regarding Ruben Dias however, who could make his return after concussion.

Everything you need to know about City v Newcastle

City’s first game at the Etihad since winning the FA Cup, Champions League and Super Cup trophies sees us come up against a Newcastle side that started the season with a 5-1 thrashing of Aston Villa last week.

John is out and Bernardo is out and Ruben I don’t know. Ruben maybe he will be fit,” said Guardiola when asked who will be unavailable.

“[Stones is a] muscular issue. Last training he did not feel comfortable. I don’t know how long he will be out.”

With Kevin De Bruyne already sidelined and expected to be out for several months, Guardiola is having to adjust the formula that powered us to Treble glory last season.

And with the Blues set to take on Eddie Howe’s exciting team just three days after a penalty shootout win over Sevilla in Athens, he is aware of the challenges that come with a lack of time for preparation.

However, the boss is adamant that City can again overcome those hurdles as we have done in recent seasons.

“Now we have a big, big problem especially for this game but in general,” he said.

“That is what it is. 4am time recovery, arrive here late. Today we cannot train. We don’t have time, I would love one more day.

“I accept this is the challenge. That’s why we won because we overcome those positions.”

City v Newcastle app coverage

Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from one place.

Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at 18:50 (UK). 

We have special guests Steve Howey, Shola Ameobi and Steph Houghton on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.

They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.

During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison while our text commentary continues.

Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.

Short highlights, extended highlights, as well as a full-match replay, available on CITY+ and Recast, can be accessed from midnight.