Manchester City are without Erling Haaland today for their game against Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola had already confirmed that the Norwegian, who missed the wins over Luton and Crvena zvezda with a foot injury, was unlikely to return in time to face the Eagles in the Premier League, in the hope he returns for the Club World Cup.
The manager said on Friday: "Hopefully he can travel to Saudi, tomorrow after the game, we see if he plays the first game or second."
On whether Haaland will be fit to face Palace, Guardiola added: "I don't think so. Maybe he surprises me."
Fourth-placed City will want to beat Palace to keep pace with their title rivals before they head off to Saudi Arabia.
Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds will face the Champions League holders on Tuesday and there is still a chance Haaland can be involved in City's first attempt at becoming world champions.
Julian Alvarez start up front against Palace in Haaland's absence, with young forward Oscar Bobb on the bench after scoring in Belgrade on Wednesday.
Jeremy Doku misses out alongside the injured Kevin De Bruyne.
Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Rodri, Lewis; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish; Alvarez
Subs: Ortega, Phillips, Stones, Kovacic, Gomez, Akanji, Nunes, Bobb, Susoho
Injuries: Doku, De Bruyne, Haaland
Time and date: 3pm GMT, Saturday December 16, 2023
Venue: Etihad Stadium
