Manchester City have a massive 16 players away on international duty this week but that’s actually lower than usual.
Injured Manchester City trio Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Ederson have all missed out on being called up by their countries as they nurse various knocks and strains.
Otherwise, the only members of Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad not away on international duty this week are Sergio Gomez, Stefan Ortega and Scott Carson.
The rest are jet-setting across the globe and here is who they will be in action against this week.
Phil Foden, John Stones, Kyle Walker – England
- Brazil – Saturday, March 23
- Belgium – Tuesday, March 26
England will have two friendlies against fierce opposition over the next week as they take on Brazil and Belgium at Wembley.
Facing such stiff competition is a great way to prepare for Euro 2024 and Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker will all be aiming to secure their place in the starting XI in Germany.
Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb – Norway
- Czech Republic – Friday, March 22
- Slovakia – Tuesday, March 26
Norway are not at Euro 2024 so will instead be warming up for the forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign in their two home friendlies.
Hopefully, Erling Haaland will be involved after appearing to pick up a knock in training earlier this week.
Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes – Portugal
- Sweden – Thursday, March 21
- Slovenia – Tuesday, March 26
City’s Portuguese contingent are all in the squad as expected and though their friendly with Sweden is at home, they will be doing some travel to face Slovenia away.
Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic – Croatia
- Tunisia – Friday, March 23
- Egypt or New Zealand – TBC
In a weird twist, Croatia are actually playing a mini, friendly tournament during the international break. They have travelled to Egypt to face Tunisia and then could take on either New Zealand or Egypt depending on who wins out of that meeting.
Rodri – Spain
- Colombia – Friday, March 22
- Brazil – Tuesday, March 26
Spain have followed England’s tactic of taking on difficult games as they prepare for this summer’s tournament. Rodri’s side will take on two South American nations in Colombia and Brazil.
Jeremy Doku – Belgium
- Republic of Ireland – Saturday, March 23
- England – Tuesday, March 26
De Bruyne may be sidelined but Jeremy Doku could be in action for Belgium. The Red Devils are staying in the British Isles as they take on the Republic of Ireland and then England.
Julian Alvarez – Argentina
- El Salvador – Saturday, March 23
- Costa Rica – Wednesday, March 27
With Ederson still sidelined, Julian Alvarez’ is City’s only South American representative during the international break. He’s had to cross the Atlantic with the world champions playing both their games in Philadelphia, USA.
Nathan Ake – Netherlands
- Scotland – Friday, March 22
- Germany – Tuesday, March 26
Nathan Ake is in the first Dutch squad in years not to contain an Ajax player. The Oranje take on Scotland first before meeting their old rivals Germany, where Ake could reunite with Ilkay Gundogan.
Manuel Akanji – Switzerland
- Denmark – Saturday, March 23
- Republic of Ireland – Tuesday, March 26
Defender Manuel Akanji has linked up with the Switzerland squad as usual for their two friendlies.
Rico Lewis – England U21s
- Azerbaijan U21 – Friday, March 22
- Luxembourg U21 – Monday, March 25
Unlike the rest of City’s players, Rico Lewis will be in competitive action this week. The Young Lions will be competing to qualify for next year’s Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia.
With little action at City of late, it’s a good opportunity for Lewis to get some much-needed minutes.
