Manchester City defender ruled out of Barcelona trip through injury

Nathan Ake will not be involved Manchester City's friendly with Barcelona.

The Dutch defender, who started ahead of Ruben Dias at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon, was forced off midway through the first-half due to injury.

City rescued a point against a buoyant Newcastle United, with the Premier League Champions finding themselves 3-1 down after Kieran Trippier's stunning free-kick.

Quick fire goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva ensured a point for Manchester City, as the Sky Blues kept their unbeaten start to the season intact.

Having initially taken the lead through Ilkay Gundogan's early goal, the Magpies grew into the game, taking a 2-1 lead into half-time courtesy of Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson.

The point moves the Sky Blues to second place in the Premier League table, two points behind Arsenal - who have won their opening three matches.

Sunday's result will be not be Guardiola's only immediate concern, after Nathan Ake was forced off through injury.

The 27 year-old suffered a groin issue according to the City manager, with the injury serious enough to prevent the Dutchman from featuring in the Spain.

City are due to play Barcelona in a friendly at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, but are reported to be spending the majority of next week in Spain, on a warm weather training camp.

Speaking post-match, Guardiola said: "I think it’s his groin."

When asked whether Ake would feature against Barcelona in midweek, the 51 year-old responded: “Absolutely not.”

The Blues face the Spanish heavyweights in a charity friendly on Wednesday.

City will then hold a warm weather training camp in Girona, as revealed by Simon Bajkowski.

Wednesday's match is expected to provide an opportunity for numerous 'fringe' players as well as a number of the Blues' teenage talents.

Guardiola's side will then return to Manchester to prepare for Saturday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, where the Champions will be looking to bounce back to winning ways.

City also welcome newly promoted Nottingham Forest to the Etihad Stadium before the end of the month.

Guardiola is all ready without fellow central defender Aymeric Laporte.

Jack Grealish was also absent from the matchday squad on Sunday due to injury.