FIFA Club World Cup: Why Man City stars Haaland, Doku and De Bruyne will miss final

The Manchester City trio of Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Kevin De Bruyne is set to miss the FIFA Club World Cup final due to a bizarre rule.

City booked a spot in the final on Tuesday, December 19, after stunning Japan's Urawa Reds 3-0 in the semifinal played at King Abdullah Sports City.

According to The Guardian, Marius Hoibraten handed City the lead via an own goal in the stroke of the first half before Mateo Kovacic made it 2-0 shortly after the break.

Bernardo Silva went on to score City's third in the 59th minute to take the game beyond Urawa Reds.

Haaland, De Bruyne, and Doku all watched the tie from the stands due to injury as the EPL giants cruised to the final with ease.

Man City trio to miss final

While the trio was expected to be fit ahead of the final against Fluminense set for Friday, December 22, the three will not play any role in the clash.

This is due to a bizarre FIFA rule that bars any player who did not feature in the semifinal matchday squad from playing in the final.

As such, Pep Guardiola will have to look elsewhere to fill the void as he seeks to add yet another title to City's cabinet.

Be that as it may, the three are expected to feature when City resume Premier League action against Everton on December 27.

Meanwhile, Marca reports that Brazilian giants Fluminense silenced Al-Ahly 2-0 to reach the final.