Jeremy Doku return gives Man City their chaos vs control option again

Manchester City players took full advantage of Pep Guardiola's decision to grant the squad three days off over New Year, travelling to warmer climates with friends and family to bring in 2024.

Now, the squad are back in Manchester dealing with the aftermath of Storm Henk and the usual grey, cloudy, drizzle that a North West winter entails. Training was brightened up on Wednesday, though, with Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland returning from injury to train with the rest of the squad ahead of a return in the coming weeks.

City are keen to manage the two forwards, given the nature of their injuries and their 'explosive' tendencies. With Kevin De Bruyne back as well, City are nearing a full squad for the first time all season just in time for the hectic 2024 schedule.

Injuries, weight concerns and Pep's trust - where has it all gone wrong for Kalvin Phillips at Man City?

Six Man City youngsters who could earn call-ups for FA Cup vs Huddersfield

Haaland and De Bruyne can be eased back with the FA Cup clash against Huddersfield, but Guardiola's comments on Doku suggest he may be saved for later in January and not risked in a game where City should have more than enough to ease into the next round. The trip to out-of-form Newcastle or an FA Cup fourth round tie could be a more realistic return date for Doku.

When the Belgian winger does return, he will resume his battle with Jack Grealish on the left wing. When he got injured, Doku was winning that battle, but Grealish has since regained his place and trust of Guardiola. Grealish - as he did last season - offers control and ball retention, creating overloads on the left for others to exploit.

It is no coincidence that when City are at their most balanced, Grealish is on the