Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne’s status following his side’s 3-nil win over Urawa Red Diamonds. The win saw the European champions advance to the FIFA Club World Cup final. They will meet Fluminense in the final.
Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku were all withdrawn from City’s Club World Cup squad before yesterday’s semi-final. Speaking post-game Pep Guardiola had an update on Haaland and De Bruyne’s injury status. He said: “Kevin started training yesterday and will train with us tomorrow but it’s been three months so he cannot play in the final, but he is getting better. Erling still cannot train.”
The City manager also told the media that his team’s preparation for the final against Fluminense will mainly consist of rest. With a busy schedule ahead of the European champions rest is the order of the day for Guardiola’s side. He told the media: “But in terms of training, no way – we sleep, rest and try to be ready on the day of the game. Of course, we will prepare something the day before the game but we need to rest good. ”
Friday’s FIFA Club World Cup final against Fluminense will provide Manchester City with the chance to add more silverware to their collection for 2023. After winning the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup the FIFA Club World Cup would complete a memorable haul for Pep Guardiola’s side.
While they will face Fluminense without Haaland, De Bruyne and Doku they will be hoping the trio are available as Manchester City aim to kick on in the second half of the season.
