Manchester City will look to get back on track in the Premier League when they welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the weekend.
With the title race tightening and Chelsea pushing to keep pace near the top end of the table, both sides know the importance of securing three points.
However, preparation for the Man City vs Chelsea contest has been complicated by injuries, suspensions and international absences on both sides. Pep Guardiola and his Chelsea counterpart are facing selection headaches, with several key players either ruled out or facing late fitness tests.
Here is a detailed look at the latest team news heading into Sunday’s showdown.
Manchester City injury news: Guardiola facing growing selection concerns
Pep Guardiola’s squad has been stretched in recent weeks, and that trend continues ahead of Man City vs Chelsea contest. A combination of injuries and the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations has deprived Guardiola of several options across the pitch.
New signing Rayan Ait-Nouri remains unavailable as he continues his international duty with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. The defender, who arrived in the summer, has yet to establish himself fully in City colours and there is currently no clear timeline for his return, with Algeria’s progress in the tournament determining how long he remains absent.
Omar Marmoush is also away on AFCON duty, representing Egypt. The forward has endured a difficult campaign, scoring just once so far, and his absence further limits City’s attacking depth. Like Ait-Nouri, his return date is uncertain and will depend on Egypt’s run in the competition.
Oscar Bobb is another definite absentee. The young winger is sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up during December’s clash with Brentford.
Bobb has struggled for consistency this season and has been linked with a possible January move away from the club. For now, his focus remains on recovery, but City have not provided a timeframe for his return.
There is more encouraging news regarding John Stones, although his availability is far from guaranteed. The England defender has missed City’s last seven matches due to a leg problem but could make his return in time for the Man City vs Chelsea clash.
Stones is considered a major doubt, and Guardiola is likely to make a late decision on whether to risk him, given his recent injury record.
Mateo Kovacic will play no part in Sunday’s match. The midfielder continues his recovery from an ankle and heel issue and is expected to remain out for a significant period.
City sources suggest he is not likely to return until the latter stages of the 2025–26 season, making his absence a long-term blow to Guardiola’s midfield options.
Nico Gonzalez is also a concern. The midfielder was withdrawn at half-time during City’s midweek clash with Sunderland after picking up a knock in the opening half.
While the injury is not thought to be serious, Gonzalez is rated a major doubt and will need to prove his fitness in training before being considered for selection.
Savinho is another player Guardiola will be without. The attacker was forced off early in the second half against Sunderland, and the City manager offered a worrying update after the match, admitting the injury “doesn’t look good”.
The exact nature of the problem has not been disclosed, and there is no indication yet of when Savinho might return.
Man City unavailable players: Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb, Savinho, Omar Marmoush, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Nico Gonzalez (doubtful), and John Stones (doubtful),
Chelsea injury update: suspensions and setbacks add to worries
Chelsea’s problems are no less significant, with a number of first-team players unavailable or facing late assessments ahead of the trip to Manchester. Injuries, suspensions and an ongoing disciplinary case have left the squad stretched.
Levi Colwill remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury sustained during the summer. The defender is working his way back from an ACL problem, and while his rehabilitation is progressing, time is running out for him to feature again this season. Chelsea are hopeful but cautious, with no confirmed return date set.
Dario Essugo’s season has also been disrupted by injury. The summer signing had recently returned to training following a thigh issue, only to suffer a setback that has delayed his comeback.
The midfielder is now expected to make his competitive return at some point later this year, though the club is keen to avoid rushing him back.
Romeo Lavia is another long-term absentee, but there is a possibility he could return sooner rather than later. The midfielder has been out with a thigh injury, and although former boss Enzo Maresca did not give a specific timeline, Lavia could be back in contention sometime in January if his recovery continues as planned. A return against Manchester City, however, would be optimistic.
Marc Cucurella faces a race against time to be fit for the Man City vs Chelsea contest. The Spanish full-back missed Chelsea’s previous outing against Aston Villa due to a hamstring problem and is currently considered a major doubt.
His availability will likely be decided after late fitness tests, with Chelsea wary of aggravating the injury.
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Jorrel Hato is also rated as a major doubt. The defender was absent from the defeat to Bournemouth because of an unspecified issue. Chelsea will assess his condition closer to kick-off before determining whether he can be involved at the Etihad.
Chelsea’s midfield options have been further reduced by suspension. Moises Caicedo will miss Sunday’s game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the Premier League season in the draw with Bournemouth.
His absence is a significant blow, given his importance in breaking up play and protecting the back line.
Off the field, Mykhaylo Mudryk remains unavailable as he continues to serve a provisional suspension. The winger was charged in June 2025 and has not featured since testing positive for a banned substance in late 2024.
The situation remains unresolved, and Chelsea have been unable to call upon him throughout the campaign.
Chelsea unavailable players: Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Moises Caicedo (suspension) Marc Cucurella (doubtful), Jorrel Hato (doubtful) Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspension)
