MANCHESTER CITY
Why is Erling Haaland not playing for Manchester City against Fluminense in the Club World Cup final?
City are preparing for the Club World Cup final against Brazilian side Fluminense on Friday.
Manchester City defeated Urawa Red Diamonds in a comfortable 3-0 win to advance to their first ever Club World Cup final. City led by a single goal at the break after an own goal on the stroke of half-time from Urawa Reds defender Marius Hoibraten. The second-half goals came from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva, with City in full control to book their place in the final on Friday. Fluminense of Brazil will be City’s opponents as Pep Guardiola’s side look to win their fifth title of the year.
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Haaland update
City were without Erling Haaland for the victory over the Japanese side as he continues to recover from a foot injury. Haaland has also missed the club’s recent games against Luton Town, Red Star Belgrade and Crystal Palace through injury. Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku were not been named as City substitutes despite travelling with the squad to Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup.
While all three players attended the semi-final win over Urawa Reds, they were removed from the City squad list submitted to FIFA and therefore won’t play on Friday. Haaland now faces a race against time to be fit to face Everton in the Premier League on December 27.
De Bruyne training
Midfield creator De Bruyne is recovering from hamstring surgery but is back training with Guardiola’s squad. Haaland and Doku missed City’s latest group session and continue to follow individual training programmes in Jeddah.
Fluminense in Club World Cup final
Success on Friday would see City lift a fifth title of the year, but they will have to get past Brazilian outfit Fluminense first.