Manchester City attacking trio ruled out of FIFA Club World Cup campaign in major blow

Manchester City trio Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku have all been ruled out of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Manchester City are currently in Saudi Arabia competing in the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time in the club’s history, after the Blues qualified for the tournament with their maiden UEFA Champions League win in June.

Pep Guardiola’s side face Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Tuesday, as Manchester City seek to win their fifth trophy of the year and become World Champions.

Manchester City travelled to the Middle East after a disappointing draw with Crystal Palace, with Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku all named in the Blues’ travelling squad despite recent absences due to injury.

De Bruyne, who hasn’t featured since the opening day of the Premier League season in August, was pictured returning to first-team training on Monday, as the 32-year-old recovers from a hamstring operation.

Haaland has been absent since Manchester City’s loss to Aston Villa at Villa Park, meanwhile Doku hasn’t featured since suffering a muscular injury against Tottenham.

Despite the trio all travelling with Manchester City’s squad for the tournament, all three players won’t be involved in any of the campaign, according to Jack Gaughan.

The three players will play no part in the Sky Blues’ first Club World Cup, with Guardiola’s side playing in either the Final or Third Place Play-Off on Friday, dependent on the semi-final result.

Guardiola named no recognised striker to face Urawa Red Diamonds, with Julian Alvarez dropping to the bench.