Explained: The rarely-seen medical condition that has ruled Newcastle star Matt Targett out of blockbuster clash with Man City

The former Aston Villa man has not played for Newcastle this season and had an injury-hit campaign in 2023/24. Now, more bad luck has befallen him ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Pep Guardiola's men. Toon manager Eddie Howe confirmed the 29-year-old would not be available and here's why.

On Friday, Howe told reporters that Targett's eczema had been playing up in recent weeks.

"Matt had a flare-up of eczema, so he's been nursing that the last couple of weeks. It's been quite a bad episode for him. We're hoping to get him back to training, but he won't play this weekend," he said in his pre-match press conference.

Targett joined Newcastle on loan from Villa in the 2021/22 season before signing a four-year deal that summer for £15 million ($20m). Despite a bright start, he has been struck down by long-term hamstring and Achilles problems since then and missed 35 games last term.

After Newcastle host City on Saturday, the Magpies take on AFC Wimbledon in round three of the Carabao Cup on October 1 before returning to Premier League action away to lowly Everton four days later. Targett will hope to be available for his side soon.