Monday 18 April 2016 14:23, UK
Manchester City have been boosted by the return of Vincent Kompany and Raheem Sterling for Tuesday's trip to Newcastle, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
After a poor run of form in February in the Premier League, City have reignited their hopes of a top-four spot with three successive victories, including a 3-0 demolition of reigning champions Chelsea on Saturday.
They next head to Rafa Benitez's Newcastle and a win would put them three points ahead of fourth-placed Arsenal with four games remaining.
And it will be a big relief for manager Manuel Pellegrini to have captain Kompany and winger Sterling back in the squad.
Kompany has missed six matches with a calf injury, while Sterling has been out for five games with a groin injury.
However, speaking to the media on Monday, Pellegrini did confirm that David Silva (ankle), Samir Nasri (thigh), Gael Clichy (back) and Bacary Sagna (back) would all be unavailable.
Kompany's return provides the Chilean boss with a welcome selection headache, with Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi in top form at the back.
Pellegrini said: "I've said that in a season where we are fighting for important things, it's because we have a good squad.
"Kompany has been injured so the other defenders have done well, but he will be an important help for the defence."
On the prospect of Sterling starting at St James' Park, Pellegrini added: "We'll see, he's coming back from an important injury, we'll see if he can play some minutes."
Pellegrini also played down concerns over Nasri, who has impressed in recent weeks following his return from a six-month lay-off.
On the Frenchman's injury picked up against Chelsea, Pellegrini said: "He played 90 minutes at the weekend and then another 75, maybe it was too much. He was feeling well, it's a small muscle injury, it's not too important, we'll see how many days."
City will be desperate to continue their fine run but will be facing a team fighting to stay in the top-flight and in buoyant mood after beating fellow-strugglers Swansea 3-0 at the weekend.
The Chilean added: "The team are just focused on what we need to do. We need a Champions League spot for next season, and to focus on Real in the semi final.
"Newcastle are very dangerous, they have good players, St James' is difficult place to play. They need the points in their survival battle. I hope we continue as we did on Saturday, being aggressive and trying to win from the beginning."
He added: "It's not depending on what Newcastle can do. We must continue the way we played on Saturday, solid, keeping a clean sheet and scoring goals. If we continue like that it doesn't matter who we play."
