City travel to St James’ Park on Saturday for our fifth round tie at 20:00 (UK), for what will be our fifth encounter with the Magpies this season.
The boss was able to call upon Erling Haaland for our midweek Premier League game with Nottingham Forest after missing the trip to Leeds United with a knock but O’Reilly missed out.
He was not fit enough to face Forest after being forced off with an injury in the win at Elland Road but could be in consideration for our game in the north east as we aim to reach the sixth round for an eighth successive campaign.
“Yesterday he felt better - we will see today,” Guardiola said when asked about the former Academy player’s availability.
The game with Newcastle will be the second of three games in three different competitions following our Premier League game on Wednesday and next week’s visit to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
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Guardiola says it’s important to have a strong depth of squad as we fight for silverware on four fronts with a Carabao Cup final to come with Arsenal later this month.
He has been careful to monitor the minutes of Rodri to ensure the Spanish midfielder doesn’t suffer any setbacks following his return from a long-term injury.
And the boss says he is getting close to the very best form which saw him win the 2024 Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player and says the players must be careful with such a tough schedule.
“Finally this happening like we wanted from a long time ago,” Pep added.
“When he came back and made steps back and then having some consistent routines to play and play.
“But now, we play a lot of games in March and long travels away so that fatigue is involved.
“Travelling to Madrid, then after come back, travelling to London and it’s four or five hours to arrive to the hotel.
“We have to use all the squad otherwise its not possible to play in the rhythm we want to play.”
Find out more about our new North Stand!
We’ve unveiled our plans for bars and hospitality spaces in the North Stand at the Etihad Stadium.
As previously communicated, the new North Stand concourses will feature large TV screens, upgraded sound systems, and self-service kiosks designed to create an amazing matchday experience.
Seasonal Memberships for both Cross Bar and City Hall are now on sale for the 2026/27 season.
To find out more or enquire about purchasing a Seasonal Membership, follow the link below or call 0161 385 2012.
