Enzo Fernandez is a doubt for Saturday’s clash
Chelsea are dealing with a number of injuries doubt as they prepare for their trip up to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca’s side ended their five-match winless league run on Monday with a 3-1 home win against Wolves to move back into the top four.
The Blues leapfrogged City but now face the reigning champions who are beginning to find form again after a disappointing end to last year.
Pep Guardiola’s side thrashed Ipswich Town 6-0 last weekend and are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions.
Ahead of their trip up to the Etihad Stadium, Chelsea still remain doubtful over the fitness of several key players.
Midfield duo Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia missed Monday’s visit of Wolves, with Maresca hinting that the Belgian’s injury may be more severe.
‘The Romeo [injury] is more important than the Enzo one,’ he said. ‘We don’t know yet how long they are going to be out. Hopefully not too long.’
In their absence, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall started alongside Moises Caicedo in what marked his return from injury after a six-game layoff.
In defence, Trevor Chalobah impressed on his first start since returning from his loan spell at Crystal Palace and could be in line to start again if Levi Colwill has not recovered from the knock that saw him miss out against Wolves.
Reece James started his first league game since November as he continued his encouraging return to fitness and could start his second successive game at the weekend.
Further forward, Cole Palmer managed 84 minutes on Monday despite being a doubt and is expected to start once again against his former side.
Noni Madeuke’s goal may see him retain his spot on the right wing, while Jadon Sancho could be recalled in place of Pedro Neto.
City, meanwhile, have been boosted by the return of defensive duo Ruben Dias and John Stones in recent days.
Dias played the full 90 minutes in the win over Ipswich, while Stones is back fit having not played since December’s loss to Aston Villa.
Guardiola’s side face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in the Champions League, but will be without Jeremy Doku who picked up a knock following his impressive display at the weekend.
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Man City
Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella, Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson
Where to watch Man City vs Chelsea? Kick-off time and TV channel
Man City vs Chelsea kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday, January 25.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match on Sky Sports and Sky Go, with coverage starting at 5pm.
