Manchester City should have a fully-fit squad to choose from following the World Cup, barring any major disasters.
The Blues have been out of action since the defeat to Brentford on November 12. Since then, a vast majority of the squad has been in Qatar for the World Cup.
Only Julian Alvarez remains in the Middle East after his brilliant World Cup with Argentina. The forward is expected to start for the South Americans in the final vs France on Sunday.
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Should he manage to get through the match unscathed, City will have survived the World Cup without any injuries. John Stones was a concern for Blues supporters on Saturday when he limped off in England's defeat to France in Al Khor.
However, the injury does not appear to be serious and the centre-back should be in contention for the hectic December and January which lies ahead for the Blues. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland spent some time during the training week in Abu Dhabi focusing on fitness work separately from the rest of the 19-man training squad.
This does not seem to be an indication that the Norwegian is injured or will struggle to make the first competitive match back following the break. Haaland has recently claimed that his raring to go for City's return to football.
Pep Guardiola will be eager for his forward to be sharp for the festive period as big fixtures come thick and fast for the Blues. After Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night, City have an away trip to Leeds United and a home match with Everton before 2022 comes to an end.
This is followed by a double-header against Chelsea in the Premier League and FA Cup before a trip to Old Trafford on January 14, before returning to the Etihad Stadium for the visit of Spurs.
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