Erling Haaland to miss 9th straight game over foot injury, Pep hopes for a January end return

Erling Haaland has been ruled out of Manchester City's Premier League game at Newcastle on Saturday because of a foot injury that has kept him sidelined since early December.

The Norway striker has missed the past eight games in all competitions though he's still the co-leading scorer in the league with 14 goals.

Haaland hasn't played since a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Dec. 6. City manager Pep Guardiola had described the injury as a “bone stress reaction” and said the timeline for a return was “week by week."

On Friday, Guardiola didn't offer any update after confirming that Haaland and defender John Stones (ankle) won't suit up against Newcastle.

“Erling is out and John is out,” the manager said.

The 23-year-old Haaland, who has returned to training, has also scored five goals in Champions League play this campaign.

Playmaking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is set for more minutes Saturday, possibly as a starter for the defending champions as they look to pull within two points of league leader Liverpool.

The Belgium international returned from a hamstring injury Sunday as a second-half substitute in City's 5-0 win over Huddersfield in the FA Cup. Right on cue, De Bruyne provided an assist on Jeremy Doku's goal.

Guardiola said the midfielder looks “really good (and) dynamic" and indicated he's ready to start.

Jack Grealish was expected back in training Friday after an illness.

The team will head to Abu Dhabi after the match at St. James’ Park for some warm-weather training ahead of its next game — at Tottenham on Jan. 26 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.