Manchester City were dealt a blow with news that Erling Haaland’s foot injury has ruled him out the Club World Cup.
The Norwegian had travelled to Saudi Arabia with the rest of the squad but was removed from City’s squad list for the tournament just before Tuesday’s semi-final ruling him out of contention for a potential Friday Friday final against Fluminense.
Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne’s names were also scratched from the list, dashing hopes that City’s Belgian midfield maestro could make his comeback this week.
City fans will be concerned that Haaland’s injury continues to be an issue. Initially ruled out on the morning of City’s trip to Luton, Haaland was understandably absent from a Champions League trip to Belgrade but was once again left out for last weekend’s slip-up against Crystal Palace.
De Bruyne had been seen training with team-mates in Jeddah spurring hopes of a much-anticipated comeback but was also deemed not ready for the tournament. Doku’s absence came as less of a surprise after manager Pep Guardiola told reporters in his pre-match press conference that he is still a week or two from a return.
The current Club World Cup will be the final one in its current format before a hugely-expanded edition due to take place in the United States in the summer of 2025 featuring 32 clubs.
Guardiola opted for a more free-flowing frontline when City took on Asian Champions Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday night with Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense awaiting the winners in Friday’s final in Jeddah.
(Goal)
