Erling Haaland: Man City boss provides injury update on Norwegian talisman and confirms sad Rodri news which rules him out of Huddersfield Town FA Cup clash

This week, the Norwegian striker and fellow absentee Jeremy Doku returned to training ahead of City's FA Cup opener against Huddersfield on the weekend as they look to defend their title. Haaland won't be put in danger by Pep Guardiola against the Championship team but there is better news for City fans regarding Kevin De Bruyne and Doku. Guardiola also talked about Rodri's absence after the midfielder's grandmother passed away earlier this week.

Speaking to the media ahead, Pep Guardiola said: "They are ready [for] the last two or three sessions. Jeremy [Doku] feels really good, and Kevin [De Bruyne] does as well. Kevin has been a long time out, we have to be patient. [We will look for] the right minutes for him and Jeremy. Erling [Haaland] is a bit better, but we have to be a bit more careful. I don't know about Sunday or [against] Newcastle, but the rest [of the squad] will be ready."

He added on the Spaniard: "Four players are away. With Rodri, unfortunately, his grandmother passed away yesterday. He's not here today or tomorrow. Bernardo [Silva], Scotty [Carson], Kalvin [Phillips] and Mateus Nunes are ill."

The Citizens, who defeated Sheffield United 2-0 last week, might be without up to eight players when they start their cup defence. Haaland and De Bruyne are the most likely to be absent. The Belgian midfielder hasn't appeared in a game since he suffered a hamstring injury 23 minutes into the season's first match in August.

Guardiola's men will take on Championship side, Huddersfield Town in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday, January 7 as they look to defend their title.