Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey says Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was “very lucky” not to be sent off against Arsenal.

The FA have not charged the striker for throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head, which means he will be available to face Newcastle this weekend. Speaking on the Telling the Whistleblower podcast, Halsey said:

“You could argue it’s violent conduct because it’s like he’s throwing an object at someone’s head. It’s like he’s throwing a punch at someone’s head. So he can count himself very lucky that [referee] Michael Oliver didn’t see that and VAR didn’t pick it up either.”

VAR did in fact pick up the incident but they decided that the offence didn’t warrant a red card. That is why there can be no retrospective action from the FA.

City could be without another key player against Newcastle

While Haaland is expected to start at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, Kevin De Bruyne is a major doubt heading into the game.

The Belgian international was absent from the matchday squad for the draw versus Arsenal, having picked up a groin problem against Inter Milan last week. He is unlikely to return for the Carabao Cup tie versus Watford on Tuesday evening and there are question marks about his fitness going into the weekend.

What is Newcastle’s latest injury news?

Following the confirmation that the Carabao Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, the Magpies will have a full week’s preparation ahead of the City match.

Manager Eddie Howe has four players currently on the treatment table. Lewis Miley (broken metatarsal) and Callum Wilson (back) are set to return after the next international break.

Centre-back pair Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles won’t recover from their respective knee injuries before the New Year.

Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here