Manchester City have been shocked with the news that Erling Haaland and two other key players might miss the Club World Cup final.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola may have to choose an unconventional starting lineup for the Club World Cup final against Fluminense which will come up on December 22.
Manchester City stars Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku will not be playing in the Club World Cup final due to injury.
The three crucial players traveled to Saudi Arabia with the rest of the squad, but their names were removed from City's squad list just before Tuesday's semi-final against Urawa Reds.
Due to injury, the trio watched City's 3-0 semi-final victory over Urawa Reds from the stands, which means they are unable to play in the potential Friday final according to FIFA rules.
FIFA rules prohibit any player who did not participate in the semi-final matchday squad from playing in the final.
Consequently, their omission from the semi-final has ruled them out of contention for a potential Friday final match against Fluminense.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Haaland has been sidelined for the last three City games due to a stress fracture he suffered in his foot.
The Norwegian was initially ruled out on the morning of City's trip to Luton on December 10 and has continued to be absent for subsequent matches.
As for Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian returned to training for the first time since August and was hoping for a much-anticipated comeback but he was ultimately not ready for the semifinal match.
Doku's absence was not surprising, as Guardiola had previously indicated that the 21-year-old Belgian is still a week or two away from returning.
Doku will aim to be fit for City's upcoming Premier League match against Everton on Wednesday, December 27.
Haaland is expected to be back to football action soon after he traveled to Spain last week to see biomechanics expert John Haddad to examine his foot injury.
The Norwegian has been working together with Haddad since 2020 and relies on him to expedite his recovery from injuries.
In the past, while he was playing for Borussia Dortmund, Haaland experienced a hip injury that significantly improved after working with Haddad, who has earned the nickname 'Mr. Fix.'
It should be noted that the Club World Cup's current format will come to an end after the current edition, as a larger tournament is set to take place in the United States in 2025, with 32 clubs participating.
Manchester City's Club World Cup final clash against Fluminense will come up on December 22.
Guardiola is expected to play without a recognized striker once again after Julian Alvarez started on the bench in the semi-final.
Do you think Manchester City would win the final without the presence of Erling Haaland and assist maestro Kevin De Bruyne? Share your thoughts with us in the opinion box below:
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola may have to choose an unconventional starting lineup for the Club World Cup final against Fluminense which will come up on December 22.
Manchester City stars Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku will not be playing in the Club World Cup final due to injury.
The three crucial players traveled to Saudi Arabia with the rest of the squad, but their names were removed from City's squad list just before Tuesday's semi-final against Urawa Reds.
Due to injury, the trio watched City's 3-0 semi-final victory over Urawa Reds from the stands, which means they are unable to play in the potential Friday final according to FIFA rules.
FIFA rules prohibit any player who did not participate in the semi-final matchday squad from playing in the final.
Consequently, their omission from the semi-final has ruled them out of contention for a potential Friday final match against Fluminense.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Haaland has been sidelined for the last three City games due to a stress fracture he suffered in his foot.
The Norwegian was initially ruled out on the morning of City's trip to Luton on December 10 and has continued to be absent for subsequent matches.
As for Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian returned to training for the first time since August and was hoping for a much-anticipated comeback but he was ultimately not ready for the semifinal match.
Doku's absence was not surprising, as Guardiola had previously indicated that the 21-year-old Belgian is still a week or two away from returning.
Doku will aim to be fit for City's upcoming Premier League match against Everton on Wednesday, December 27.
Haaland is expected to be back to football action soon after he traveled to Spain last week to see biomechanics expert John Haddad to examine his foot injury.
The Norwegian has been working together with Haddad since 2020 and relies on him to expedite his recovery from injuries.
In the past, while he was playing for Borussia Dortmund, Haaland experienced a hip injury that significantly improved after working with Haddad, who has earned the nickname 'Mr. Fix.'
It should be noted that the Club World Cup's current format will come to an end after the current edition, as a larger tournament is set to take place in the United States in 2025, with 32 clubs participating.
What's next?
Manchester City's Club World Cup final clash against Fluminense will come up on December 22.
Guardiola is expected to play without a recognized striker once again after Julian Alvarez started on the bench in the semi-final.
Do you think Manchester City would win the final without the presence of Erling Haaland and assist maestro Kevin De Bruyne? Share your thoughts with us in the opinion box below: