Manchester City have been handed a major boost before their return to Premier League action against Leeds United later this month.
They visit Elland Road on December 28, currently sitting in second place ahead of a vital winter period. Pep Guardiola will, undoubtedly, have his eyes set on a third consecutive title win despite the current four-point gap between themselves and table-toppers Arsenal.
Without the services of key midfielder Tyler Adams through suspension, the Whites and Jesse Marsch face an increasingly difficult challenge and one which is set to become even tougher following recent results in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
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Following a 0-0 draw against Croatia in their final Group F fixture, Belgium have failed to progress through to the knockout stages of the competition in Qatar. The Red Devils' shock exit is likely to spell an end to their 'golden generation' and Roberto Martinez's reign.
Guardiola, however, may take a certain degree of satisfaction in his compatriot's struggles. Talisman Kevin de Bruyne will soon return to City, providing the 31-year-old with a greater preparation period for the visit of Leeds than, perhaps, initially expected.
Lacklustre displays on the global stage are not reflective of De Bruyne's Premier League antics, as he continues to exceed impeccably high standards. The former Chelsea man can already boast three goals and nine assists from 14 Premier League outings.
Of de Bruyne's fellow club team-mates at the World Cup, Manuel Akanji and Ilkay Gundogan are the most likely to be knocked out next. Though, both Switzerland and Germany maintain strong qualification prospects.
Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Nathan Ake, Julian Alvarez, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Ederson have all helped their respective teams progress from the group stages. Meanwhile, Aymeric Laporte and Rodri are on the verge of qualifying with Spain tonight.
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