Injury Woes Continue for Haaland, Doku, and De Bruyne as Manchester City Prepare for Friday’s Decisive Clash

Manchester City will be without star striker Erling Haaland for their upcoming Club World Cup final against Fluminense on Friday. The Norwegian forward, who has been sidelined for the past three matches due to a persistent foot injury, had travelled to Saudi Arabia with his teammates for FIFA’s global tournament. However, Haaland missed training on Monday and was excluded from the 23-man squad for Tuesday’s semi-final against Urawa Red Diamonds.

Haaland’s absence adds to the woes for manager Pep Guardiola, who will also be without Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, who is struggling with a muscle issue. Additionally, club captain Kevin De Bruyne, who has been out of action since the opening match of the season due to hamstring surgery, was also unavailable for the semi-final despite taking part in training on Monday.

Guardiola confirmed that De Bruyne has started training again, but Haaland remains unable to participate. “Kevin began training yesterday and will join us again on Wednesday. He has been out for four months, but he is improving,” Guardiola explained. “Erling still cannot train.”

With Haaland, Doku, and De Bruyne all unavailable, Manchester City supporters will be disappointed to learn that none of the three players will be eligible for the final clash against the Copa Libertadores champions, Fluminense. According to tournament regulations, only the players named in the semi-final squad are permitted to participate in the final.

The trio watched from the bench during the semi-final against Urawa, and were replaced in the official 23-man squad by young players Max Alleyne, Mahamadou Susoho, and Micah Hamilton. Despite their injuries, Haaland, De Bruyne, and Doku will remain with the team in Saudi Arabia.

Haaland will have missed five consecutive matches by the time City return to England, with their next Premier League fixture set for December 27 against a resurgent Everton. Manchester City’s final game of 2023 will be at home to Sheffield United, and it remains uncertain whether Haaland, Doku, or De Bruyne will be fit to feature in these upcoming matches.