Man City XI vs Sheffield United: starting line-up, Erling Haaland injury and confirmed squad news

Manchester City are once again without talisman Erling Haaland for today’s game against Sheffield United.

The Norwegian striker was absent for the sixth game in a row as City came from behind to beat Everton on Wednesday night.

Ahead of that game, Pep Guardiola issued an update on Haaland’s fitness and said he would miss the visit of the Blades.

“He’s not in the squad though,” the manager told Prime Video. “He feels better with the bone (in his leg) but he hasn’t had any training with us.

“Unfortunately, December is so busy with so many games. January is a little less busy. Hopefully in January he can come back with us.”

John Stones is a fresh injury concern for City after coming off in the first half at Everton with what appeared to be an ankle injury, which followed Ruben Dias missing the game through illness. The Portuguese defender is back on the bench against the Blades.

Jeremy Doku is absent but Kevin De Bruyne is back on the bench for the first time since he left on the opening day of the season.

Jack Grealish starts after a burglary at his house. Raiders targeted the Cheshire midfielder’s home while he was playing for City at Everton on Wednesday night.

Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Ake, Guardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish; Alvarez

Substitutions: Ortega, Dias, Phillips, De Bruyne, Gomez, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis, Hamilton

Injuries: Haaland, Doku, De Bruyne, Stones

Date and time: Saturday, December 30, 2023

Venue: Etihad Stadium