Three Manchester City players find themselves unable to participate in the Club World Cup final. That is due to a peculiar FIFA rule. City secured a spot in the final with a commanding 3-0 victory over Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds in Jeddah on Wednesday.
Marius Hoibraten inadvertently opened the scoring with an own goal in first-half stoppage time. Followed by goals from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva in the second half. Thus, securing a straightforward victory for Manchester City.
Manchester City will be facing Brazilian side Fluminense in Friday’s final. Thus, aiming to add another cup to their glorious collection. Injured Manchester City players Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Jeremy Doku will be observing from the stands at King Abdullah Sports City.
However, they are not eligible from participating in the final due to FIFA regulations. This specifies that if a player is not selected in the matchday squad for the semi-final, they are ineligible to play in the subsequent game.
Manchester City will have to continue without the big three at the final
It’s improbable that any of the three would have been risked, but the choice is not within Pep Guardiola’s reach. Since, he cannot even put them on the reserve. All 23 players selected for the semi-final must be present. Max Alleyne, Mahamadou Susoho, and Micah Hamilton will be stepping in to replace the specific trio.
Manchester City midfielder De Bruyne has recently resumed training after an extended period on the sidelines due to a persistent hamstring issue that necessitated surgery.
Haaland was absent for three games due to a stress fracture in his foot. He sought consultation in Spain with John Haddad, a biomechanics expert renowned as ‘Mr. Fix.’ Meanwhile, summer signing Doku continues to grapple with a muscle problem.
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