Where 17 Man City players stand as Qatar World Cup edges closer

The first-ever winter World Cup is a little over two months away.

The staging of the tournament in November and December is a first, and represents an obvious logistical problem that the Premier League and other major leagues around the world have had to work around.

For Manchester City, they could see a large portion of their squad head to Qatar for the month-long event.

Here, we assess which of Pep Guardiola's stars are almost certain of their place on the plane - and which ones have plenty to do to convince their national team managers they are worthy of selection.

Read more: City could face another postponement with Arsenal decision looming

Goalkeepers

Ederson (Brazil)

The City stopper is locked in a battle with Liverpool counterpart Alisson although the latter is favoured by Brazil boss Tite. Despite largely playing second fiddle, Ederson's place in the squad is in no danger.

Qatar chances : Certain.

Zack Steffen (United States)

Steffen has been loaned out to Championship side Middlesbrough this season, as Guardiola looks to sate his appetite for regular game time.

But a recent knee injury has thrown into doubt his spot at Boro and he will be sweating on his place in the US squad given he also missed the most recent squad. The fact he is the most experienced shot-stopper should see him make the cut though.

Qatar chances : Almost certain.

Defenders

Kyle Walker (England)

One of five City stars hoping to make the grade for Gareth Southgate's Qatar party.

Only a handful of players in or around the squad have more experience than Walker's 68 caps and despite having plenty of right-back rivals, his versatility should see him included.

Qatar chances : Almost certain.

Ruben Dias (Portugal)

The centre-half hasn't played