Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku is set to miss the upcoming festive fixtures after picking up a calf injury in the Champions League clash against Galatasaray earlier this season. The Belgian international has been sidelined since then, and while there is hope he could return at some point this month, it remains uncertain whether he will meet that timeline.
City manager Pep Guardiola provided an update on Erling Haaland after the striker was substituted at half-time during the midweek win over Fulham. Guardiola downplayed the issue, citing fatigue and minor niggles, saying: 'Niggles. Some problems, he didn't feel comfortable, it was 3-0. The reason why is too many games. Fatigue. He said 'I don't feel comfortable'. With 3-0 and with a lot of games and with having Omar [Marmoush], common sense.' Haaland's availability for the FA Cup tie against Salford remains unclear.
Defender Josko Gvardiol is out for the foreseeable future with a tibial fracture sustained against Chelsea. There is hope he could return before the end of the season, but a few months of recovery are expected. John Stones made his return to the squad as an unused substitute against Fulham and could feature against Salford.
Brazilian winger Savinho has struggled with injuries this season and failed to make the squad against Fulham, with his return date uncertain. Midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been out since November with an ankle problem and is unlikely to return until next month at the earliest.
