The seven FIFA Club World Cup contenders Saudi Arabia 2023 have named their 23-man squads for the tournament. The tournament is set to kick off on 12 December, with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad facing Auckland City, leading up to the final on 22 December.
Fifa stated in an official release that Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland will represent UEFA Champions League holders Manchester City at the tournament.
Kevin De Bruyne, who has not been featured since the opening day of the Premier League season in August due to injury, has also been included in the squad.
Fluminense right-back Samuel Xavier is expected to join other key players such as Real Madrid legend Marcelo, 22-year-old Seleção midfielder Andre, Colombia winger Jhon Arias and Argentina’s German Cano.
Al Ittihad is expected to send its arguably strongest-ever squad outside Europe or South America to a Club World Cup.
Manager Marcelo Gallardo has picked the likes of Luiz Felipe, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, Jota and Karim Benzema.
Fellow Arab hopefuls Al Ahly included several players who dazzled in the global finals: Mohamed Elshenawy, Hussein Elshahat, Kahraba, and Afsha.
Lucas Romero and Angel Mena recovered from knocks to make the Leon squad, and Atsuki Ito won his race against time to be fit for Urawa Red Diamonds. The Asian champions will nevertheless be without Hiroki Sakai. Auckland City, for their part, have no injury concerns.
You can find a complete match schedule here.
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