Man City's Pep Guardiola hints at Jeremy Doku and Savinho return for Newcastle clash

Both wingers have been sidelined in recent weeks. Savinho has not featured since New Year's Day, while Doku was forced off during City's Champions League win over Galatasaray last month.

Guardiola has made it clear that Doku is nearing a comeback but is not quite ready to rejoin full training.

"Jeremy is close," Guardiola said. "He still doesn't train with us, but we will see. He's a little better. We know how important he is. He helps us a lot in the way we play."

City have lacked natural width during their recent run, and Guardiola admitted that without his specialist wingers, opponents have been able to defend deep and make matches more complicated.

"If you make shifts with Doku, Savinho, the opponents defend in their box for 90 minutes," he has said. "That's why everything was so difficult."

Savinho, 21, has also stepped up his recovery. Guardiola revealed that the Brazilian trained strongly this week but the club were unwilling to take risks.

"He's been out for six weeks," Guardiola said. "He could have played a few minutes, but we didn't want to take risks. Training two days ago was wow, so good. He's close."

Guardiola has also challenged Savinho to sharpen his end product, insisting his potential is enormous.

"When he learns to make the finished product, he will be an unbelievable winger on both sides," he has said.

City now prepare to host Newcastle United, managed by Eddie Howe, on Saturday. With Doku and Savinho nearing fitness, Guardiola's side could soon regain the pace and direct threat that define their attacking play.