The former Manchester United midfielder is banned after being sent off at Blackburn, while it remains to be seen whether or not City target Shay Given is included in the squad with Fraser Forster and Tim Krul standing by.
New signing Peter Lovenkrands is available, as is Geremi after recovering from a groin injury, while Mark Viduka (Achilles), Claudio Cacapa (knee) and Alan Smith (foot/ankle) have all returned to training.
Obafemi Martins (hernia surgery), Shola Ameobi (knee), Habib Beye (ankle) and Tamas Kadar (broken leg) remain on the casualty list.
Obafemi Martins (hernia surgery), Shola Ameobi (knee), Habib Beye (ankle) and Tamas Kadar (broken leg) remain on the casualty list.
NEWCASTLE UNITED (from): Given, Harper, Forster, Krul, Enrique, Bassong, Coloccini, Taylor, Edgar, Guthrie, N'Zogbia, Duff, Gutierrez, Lovenkrands, Geremi, Donaldson, Doninger, Godsmark, Owen, Xisco, Carroll, LuaLua, Ranger.
MANCHESTER CITY CURRENT FORM:
Manchester City 1 Wigan 0
JANUARY 17: Barclays Premier League.
Manchester City 0 Nottingham Forest 3
JANUARY 3: FA Cup third round
Blackburn 2 Man City 2
DECEMBER 28: Barclays Premier League
Manchester City 5 Hull 1
DECEMBER 26: Barclays Premier League
West Brom 2 Manchester City 1
DECEMBER 21: Barclays Premier League
Racing Santander 3 Manchester City 1
DECEMBER 18: UEFA Cup Group A