Ilkay Gundogan provides injury update after Man City beat Newcastle United

Gundogan scored but also received treatment for a knock in City’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle on Boxing Day.

Ilkay Gundogan provides injury update after Man City beat Newcastle United

Ilkay Gundogan played down injury concerns after picking up a knock in Manchester City’s Boxing Day victory over Newcastle United.

Gundogan scored the opening goal as Pep Guardiola’s men beat Newcastle 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium in their first game after Christmas.

Ferran Torres netted the other, while Gundogan later needed treatment for an injury and was replaced by Phil Foden for the final few minutes.

However, the Germany international is hopeful that he will be fit for Monday night’s trip to Everton.

“I got a couple of kicks on my foot but it shouldn’t be that bad,” Gundogan told City’s YouTube channel. “I should be able to go again on Monday.”

Gundogan felt City were in control of the Newcastle game throughout.

“Yes, it did feel like that, to be honest, especially in the first half,” he said.

“I think we moved the ball quite well and scored the opener, which is always important.

“The weather conditions were not the best today, which made it a little bit more difficult in the second half.

“But I think it was a solid performance, a good win, three important points, especially during this period, and in less than 48 hours we go again.”

He added: “I think Newcastle tried to press maybe a little bit more in the second half.

“So it was more about trying to find the balance between going forward and being patient.

“I think we did it quite well and could have scored more. We had the chances but, most importantly, we got the three points.”

With Gabriel Jesus out after testing positive for Covid-19 and Sergio Aguero still not fit enough to start, others have been needed to chip in with the goals.

“I think we should always share the responsibility on the pitch,” said Gundogan.

“Obviously, we are missing great players but there is enough quality players to come in and try to do their best.

“Ferran played as a striker today and scored, which is something that we need.

“In the last few weeks, we have been really solid in defending and obviously if you don’t concede, your chances of winning a game are always very high.”

City are now up to fifth in the Premier League table – five points behind leaders Liverpool.

“We want to try to (climb the table) step by step,” said Gundogan.

“With all the games coming up, it’s even more important to win.

“Maybe it’s not always going to be amazing, beautiful and exciting football but I think generally in the world of football, it’s even more difficult to be like that every game.

“We also need wins where we work hard, like at Southampton as well. These are also three points and we get it and we go on.”

Source: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gundogan-man-city-newcastle-injury-19524929