The three Manchester City players who are doubts for Chelsea FA Cup game after draining Real Madrid defeat

One of the telling moments after Manchester City crashed out of the Champions League was when manager Pep Guardiola confirmed both Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland both asked to be substituted. They could miss the crucial FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea this weekend.

De Bruyne had scored to bring City back into the game but minutes later he missed a glorious opportunity to send his team into the last four, skying a brilliant ball. 

After the game, Manchester City's manager Guardiola confirmed both the Belgian and Haaland had felt something and asked to be withdrawn. He told reporters at the Etihad: "Erling and Kevin [De Bruyne] asked me to go out.

"They could not continue, like Manu [Akanji]. They were playing amazing and I'm not a big fan of so many substitutions but Kevin, Erling and Manu asked me to go out because they could not continue.”

Another player who asked to be substituted was Manuel Akanji who enjoyed a brilliant game in the middle of the park. But like star men De Bruyne and Haaland, he was withdrawn before the shootout with Guardiola confirming he also had problems. 

He added: “Manu also asked to come off so we will see what happens.” 

The fact that the Premier League champions had to endure 120 minutes of action should play into the hands of Chelsea who have had a whole week to prepare for the showdown at Wembley. 

Chelsea have had a difficult league campaign under Mauricio Pochettino but they will hope to crown it off by at least winning the FA Cup and securing Europa League football for next season.