How Manchester City could line up against Urawa Red Diamonds

The Norwegian talisman sat out his side's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the weekend due to his foot problem, but he has made the journey to Saudi Arabia alongside another pair of injury doubts.

Indeed, both Jeremy Doku (muscle) and Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) were also named in the Citizens' travelling squad, but it would be a shock to see either man risked for the semi-final, especially with the latter missing since August.

Having flown straight out to the Middle East after Saturday's game, Man City's XI should have an experimental feel to it on Tuesday, as the Premier League champions battle jet lag and fatigue from the weekend's disappointment.

A raft of changes could begin with Stefan Ortega taking the place of Ederson in between the posts, while Manuel Akanji and John Stones - the only player to make it off the bench on Saturday - could freshen up the defence.

Sergio Gomez may also be handed a rare start in the left-back position, while the versatile Rico Lewis is a candidate to be shifted to the right-back slot, thus offering Kyle Walker a brief break.

Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic represent options for change in the midfield, and while Kalvin Phillips's hopes of a start may prove unfounded, the same should not be said for Oscar Bobb.

The Norwegian youngster could demote Phil Foden to the bench after the Englishman gifted Palace their last-minute spot kick at the weekend, but Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva should be offered no respite given a lack of alternative options.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gomez; Nunes, Kovacic; Bobb, Silva, Grealish; Alvarez