The defender, who signed a new three-year contract earlier this week, is struggling with a foot injury and may have to wait for the home clash with Wigan to make his first appearance of the campaign.

Goalkeeper Michel Vorm comes straight into the squad after completing his move from FC Utrecht and will battle fellow new signing Jose Moreira for the starting berth. Danny Graham, Leroy Lita, Wayne Routledge and Steven Caulker are also in line to make their debuts at Etihad Stadium.

Provisional squad: Vorm, Williams, Taylor, Caulker, Tate, Bodde, Britton, Orlandi, Beattie, Graham, Sinclair, Dyer, Cornell, Dobbie, Routledge, Monk, Cotterill, Lita, Moore, MacDonald, Moreira, Rangel, Harley, Agustien, Butler.