Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is sweating over the fitness of experienced defender Thiago Silva who picked up a hip injury in their 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Monday night.
He joins the likes of Reece James, Marc Cucurella and Romeo Lavia as players who are battling fitness ahead of the game in Manchester this weekend. Chelsea returned to winning ways in the league at Selhurst on Monday night but in a month that could define their season, they head to the Etihad to play against a Manchester City side who have won their last 10 games in all competitions.
City have their own injury concerns with Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish all picking up knocks in their mid-week Champions League win. Pep Guardiola's side played out an entertaining 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge when the two sides met back in November but this should be a different game with both much improved.
Chelsea remain hugely inconsistent, capable of pulling off big performances against the top teams at times, they simply cannot be relied upon but if they can get all three points at the Etihad this weekend, it will serve as a massive boost going into the League Cup final against Liverpool.
Despite Manchester City's recent dominance of English football, Chelsea still holds the advantage of head-to-head having won this game 71 times against City's 65 with 40 being draws.
On the injury front, below is the list of players who are both ruled out and those who are doubt ahead of the weekend:
1. Wesley Fofana
Still unlikely to play this season after suffering a relapse in his recovery. Potential return: 15 August 2024
2. Reece James
Making progress slowly and has been seen at Cobham on the grass. Late April is his potential return date.
3. Romeo Lavia
Still struggling from the injury he picked up against Crystal Palace on his debut.
4. Christopher Nkunku
He's been unlucky with injuries all season. Potential return date: March 30 vs Burnley