Manchester City faced Urawa Red Diamonds in the FIFA Club World Cup, and fans eagerly anticipated Kevin De Bruyne’s return.
Despite the optimism surrounding his comeback, De Bruyne was not even on the bench for the match. Journalist Joe Bray from the Manchester Evening News clarified that there was no setback; rather, it was a strategic decision to keep De Bruyne out of the game and focus on his participation in training.
As Manchester City arrived in Saudi Arabia, De Bruyne had finally returned to training, prompting joy among fans.
Expectations of his immediate eligibility for selection were dashed when he was omitted from the matchday squad against Urawa Red Diamonds. Joe Bray’s update on social media explained that De Bruyne, along with Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku, had joined the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final.
Despite their presence, it was clarified that their inclusion did not guarantee playing time. After the starting XI was announced, Bray emphasized that none of them were on the bench, aligning with the initial plan to keep them out of the game.
The decision not to include them in the matchday squad was strategic, considering the need to register three teenagers – Max Alleyne, Mahamadou Susoho, and Micah Hamilton – in case of any injured players. This suggested that De Bruyne and others were never intended to participate in the match against Urawa Red Diamonds.
Although fans may have hoped to witness De Bruyne’s contribution to the FIFA Club World Cup, reassurance came that his absence was temporary. The Belgian midfielder, who attended the recent Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, expressed his intention to return “close after the New Year, if everything goes well.” This strongly implied a comeback around the beginning of January, providing a timeline for his return to competitive action.
Regardless of De Bruyne’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, the article concluded with the recognition that if Manchester City emerged victorious, he would still receive a medal as part of the 23-man roster.
This comprehensive update offered insights into the reasons behind De Bruyne’s absence, balancing the disappointment of fans with optimism for his imminent return to the pitch.
