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Why Kevin De Bruyne has really been named in Manchester City’s FIFA Club World Cup squad

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Kevin De Bruyne has been named as a surprise inclusion in Manchester City’s 23-man squad list submitted to FIFA ahead of the Club World Cup.

The Belgium international captain is currently entering the final phase of his long-term recovery process having undergone surgery on a reoccurring hamstring problem sustained in the Premier League opener against Burnley in August.

That injury setback followed on from a similar problem that brought an end to his UEFA Champions League final appearance against Inter at the end of last season, when De Bruyne was replaced by Phil Foden in the first-half of the game.

However, with a full recovery now on the horizon, Manchester City fans were this week greeted by the news that Kevin De Bruyne would be travelling with the squad to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup later this month.

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have confirmed and submitted a 23-man squad list to FIFA ahead of their maiden appearance in the world-renowned competition, as they join the tournament at the semi-final stage following their Champions League win.

Kevin De Bruyne however is unlikely to play a single minute of Manchester City’s campaign, with a new report from the Manchester Evening News offering the truth behind his inclusion in the squad list.

A report from Simon Bajkowski and Tyrone Marshall confirms that Kevin De Bruyne will travel with the squad and represent Manchester City as a club captain, but he will not be fit enough to play in either game.

Speaking while in attendance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the last few weeks, De Bruyne himself commented on his recovery timescale, indicating that a return to action early in the new year is the most likely outcome.

Manchester City host Huddersfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup third round in their first match of the 2024 calendar year, before travelling to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park a few days later.

City’s fixture list eases off significantly following the conclusion of December, with the Premier League pausing for a much-needed winter break after a hectic festive fixture schedule throughout this month.

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