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Kevin De Bruyne Erling Haaland Manchester City 2022-23Getty Images

Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne reunited! Man City forward all smiles as he rejoins partner in crime during Cityzens' Club World Cup victory over Urawa Reds

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Article continues below

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  • De Bruyne joined the squad after a lengthy layoff
  • Haaland excited to have De Bruyne back in the fold
  • But both players will not hit the pitch anytime soon
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    De Bruyne has been eased back into training to step up his recovery from the hamstring injury he sustained in City's opening Premier League game of the season against Burnley. Haaland is also nursing a foot injury which will likely see him miss the entire Club World Cup. The duo has still travelled to Saudi Arabia with the rest of the squad, though, and the Norwegian is excited to finally share the dressing room again with the midfield maestro.

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  • Matheus Nunes Manchester City 2023-24Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Despite taking the pitch without two of their key players in Haaland and De Bruyne, City secured their spot in the Club World Cup final by defeating Urawa Red Diamonds 3-0. The victory sets the stage for a showdown against Fluminense on Friday in FIFA's prestigious showpiece event to determine the world's best team. Matheus Nunes broke the deadlock at the end of the first half before Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva added to the scoreline after the break.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    If City beat Fluminense they will clinch their first Club World Cup trophy in their history. It would also mark the 12th major trophy of Pep Guardiola's reign at the Etihad Stadium, which began back in 2016.

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  • Manchester City celebrates goal against Urawa Red DiamondsGetty

    WHAT NEXT?

    Haaland and De Bruyne will miss the title decider on Friday, which means Guardiola has to depend on the likes of Bernardo and Julian Alvarez for goals. While De Bruyne will also definitely miss the Premier League fixture against Everton on December 27, there is still uncertainty over Haaland's participation.