Kevin De Bruyne twist as injured Man City midfielder named in Club World Cup squad

Kevin De Bruyne was a notable inclusion in Manchester City’s squad to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup.

The midfielder has not played since the opening weekend of the Premier League due to a hamstring injury but has been named in the 23-man squad and will travel with the group in a non-playing capacity.

De Bruyne won’t been seen on the pitch as City battle to claim a maiden Club World Cup, but as a member of the five-man captain group, the Belgian will travel to the Middle East.

The 32-year-old has been ruled out until the new year with a long-term injury, that he initially suffered last season but had a recurrence of the problem in August’s win over Burnley, and underwent surgery as a result.

Pep Guardiola recent confirmed that he expects De Bruyne to be back in 2024. "If he said January, it will be January," said the City boss. "I would have loved to have him all season but now he has a tough injury and surgery and he said end of December or new year, so it will be a happy New Year for everyone."

City face either Mexico's Club Leon or Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan in the semi-final of the Club World Cup on 19 December, with the final, should City progress, to be staged on 22 December. As a result of City’s involvement in the tournament, the Premier League match against Brentford - initially scheduled for 23 December - has been postponed.