Why Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias are missing Man City vs Newcastle

Manchester City were without three of the four defenders that started against Real Madrid when they took on Newcastle

Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake were both left out of Manchester City's squad to face Newcastle ahead of the return fixture against Real Madrid.

Manu Akanji and Jack Grealish were ruled out of the Premier League game with the groin injuries they picked up against Real in the home game on Tuesday. And despite arriving with the squad at the Etihad on Saturday, neither Ake nor Dias were named in a 20-man selection from Pep Guardiola.

Both were considered 'not fully fit', putting their participation in Madrid in five days in doubt. Guardiola had praised Ake after the first leg for playing when he wasn't in the best condition, and he was removed after an hour.

In their absence, Abdukodir Khusanov makes his second start for City following his January move from Lens. He will partner John Stones, with Vitor Reis the only other defender on the bench.

Guardiola said on Friday that he had given up his ambition of having the squad how he wants it this season, with injuries having hampered his selection plans since October. Rodri and Oscar Bobb were the only two players missing when City kicked off against Real, only for more issues to come flooding through the group this week.

City are level on points and goal difference with Newcastle ahead of their Premier League game and will hope to continue a wretched run for the visitors that has seen them fail to win in every game they have played at the Etihad. Stones and Khusanov will have to keep the in-form Aleksandar Isak quiet to have the best chance of that.

Follow live updates from Man City vs Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium right here.