Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has underlined the importance of the Club World Cup as he revealed that both Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne will travel to Saudi Arabia, regardless of their injuries.
A serious hamstring problem is expected to keep De Bruyne out until the spring while Haaland is battling a foot injury which should keep him out of today's clash with Crystal Palace.
City will fly out to Saudi after the game at Etihad Stadium before facing Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday.
Brazil's Fluminense or Egypt's Al-Ahly then await in the final for the victor, with City's Premier League game against Brentford postponed as a result of their absence.
Having lifted the Champions League for the first time earlier this year, the treble-winners are now looking to be crowned world champions.
It means that every player will be flown out to the Middle East to be part of City's short campaign.
"It's a competition we have never won, everyone will be there," Guardiola confirmed to reporters.
"I want the players not to be desperate to win, [but] to play two games, win the first one and get the credit to play the final.
"If we don't win it, hopefully we win the Champions League in the future to be back. Two football games, do what we have to do.
"We learn from the Champions League in the past. In life you don't know what will happen... the motivation, the feeling we've never won, it's important. Winning helps to win. Winning against Palace will help by far."
