Chelsea’s Premier League rivals suffer injury blow just days before trip to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s upcoming opponents Manchester City have been dealt an injury blow just days before their visit to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

The Blues play host to the reigning champions as part of this weekend’s Super Sunday and they are hoping to build further momentum after an excellent 4-1 away win against the previously unbeaten Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea enter the game against City with a renewed sense of confidence after a goal from midfielder Cole Palmer and a hat-trick from striker Nicolas Jackson in Monday’s game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the West London outfit are likely to face an even tougher test against a formidable Man City team, which hit six past Bournemouth last time out.

The Citizens are aiming to win the Premier League for the fourth consecutive season and have started their title defence in fine form with 27 points from 11 games, putting them top of the table. Meanwhile, Chelsea have endured a much more difficult start to the season and their most recent victory against Spurs was just their fourth in 11 top-flight games this season, which leaves them 10th in the table.

Chelsea are historically one of the most successful teams in the Premier League and given the money they have spent over the last few transfer windows, they will expect huge improvements in the coming months. A victory against the holders presents the perfect opportunity for Maurico Pochettino and his men to send a statement to the rest of the league and they will be boosted by the absence of one key opposition player in John Stones.

Stones has been pivotal to City’s success under Pep Guardiola in recent seasons, but has been limited to just five appearances in all competitions this term.

The ex-Everton man missed the start of the season with a hip injury and only recently returned to action in October. However, his injury woes escalated this season when he was forced at half-time during his side’s 3-0 victory over BSC Young Boys.

Speaking after the game, Guardiola said: “I feel so sorry for him. He is so important for what he does.”

When asked about the extent of his injury, the Man City boss added: “It is a muscular injury, it will be a while. It is a pity, it is bad news for us. I don’t know how long.”

Man City’s defensive options include the likes of Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. This trio will all hope to start the game at Stamford Bridge and cement their place in the line-up during Stones’ absence.