Manchester City begin the defence of their FA Cup crown when they welcome Championship side Huddersfield Town to the Etihad Stadium for a third-round clash on Sunday afternoon.

The Citizens ended a historic 2023 in impressive fashion as they won each of their last four games in all competitions, following up their triumphant Club World Cup campaign with back-to-back Premier League wins over Everton and Sheffield United.

A 2-0 victory over the Blades last weekend helped Pep Guardiola's men climb to third in the table and they enter 2024 sitting five points behind leaders Liverpool, who have played a game more.

Man City will briefly shift their attention to the FA Cup before resuming their top-flight campaign, and here, Sports Mole rounds up the Citizens' injury and suspension news ahead of the contest with Darren Moore's side.

Erling Haaland

Manchester City's Erling Haaland in the stands during the match on December 19, 2023 © Reuters

Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Foot
Possible return date: January 6 (vs. Huddersfield)

Erling Haaland has missed the last seven matches in all competitions with a "bone stress reaction" in his foot, but the striker returned to first-team training on Wednesday and may be in a position to feature in the matchday squad on Sunday.

Jeremy Doku

Jeremy Doku celebrates scoring for Manchester City in November 2023 © Reuters

Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: January 6 (vs. Huddersfield)

Jeremy Doku has been sidelined since December 3 with a muscle problem, but like Haaland, the winger returned to first-team training on Wednesday and could be fit to feature in the matchday squad on Sunday.

Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne before the match on December 30, 2023 © Reuters

Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: January 6 (vs. Huddersfield)

Kevin De Bruyne made his long-awaited return to the matchday squad for City's win over Sheffield United last weekend, albeit watching on as an unused substitute, and the playmaker, who has also taken part in team training this week, may be fit to feature in some capacity against Huddersfield.

John Stones

Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown

John Stones, who sustained an ankle injury in the 3-1 win at Everton last week, has been absent from training this week and is not expected to feature for the Citizens on Sunday.