Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, absent due to injury since August, has been included in the list of players selected to play in the Club World Cup in December in Saudi Arabia, the organizer announced on Wednesday.
This is an “unexpected inclusion”, as Fifa writes, since the return of the playmaker from the Citizens, reigning European champions, was not expected before the start of 2024.
The Belgian international injured his thigh during the Champions League final at the beginning of June against Inter Milan, and relapsed during the first match of the season in the English league, on August 11 against Burnley. “KDB” has not played again since his operation and his return was expected in January, not December.
For its first participation, Manchester City will face the Mexicans de Leon or the Japanese Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup on Tuesday December 19. If he wins, he will play the final on Friday December 22.
“This tournament is very important, very prestigious,” commented Pep Guardiola, quoted by Fifa. “It’s not easy to qualify or win. We are just missing one (trophy) to complete the circle and win all possible titles for City.”
The English club, owned by Sheikh Mansour, achieved a treble of championship, FA Cup and Champions League in 2023, before winning the European Super Cup on penalties against Sevilla FC in mid-August. Only the League Cup escaped him last season, as well as the Community Shield at the start of the 2023-2024 financial year.
