Manchester City are still missing Fabian Delph and Fernando, whilst Chelsea FC will likely be without Oscar for the highly-anticipated encounter at the Etihad on Sunday
Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City take on incumbent champions Chelsea FC on Sunday, hoping to go five points clear of the Blues after just two games of the new English Premier League season.
Both managers will be able to call upon most of their key men for the high-profile clash, although Chelsea FC will be without Belgian Thibaut Courtois after the Blues’ red card appeal was turned down by the English FA.
Oscar a doubt for Sunday, reveals Mourinho
Although the Brazilian would not be a certain starter even if fully fit given Chelsea FC manager Jos Mourinho’s safety-first approach against the better sides (particularly away from home), Oscar is a doubt for Sunday’s meeting according to the Portuguese.
“Oscar is a doubt, he had a little injury in training,” Mourinho is quoted as saying by the Chelsea FC official website. “Courtois is suspended, apart from that it’s all good.”
Earlier in the week, the FA rejected the Blues’ appeal to rescind the controversial red card given to Belgian no.1 Thibaut Courtois for a foul on Swansea City striker Baf timbi Gomis on the opening day of the Premier League last Saturday.
A clean bill of health for the other players is good news for Mourinho, who could turn to the likes of Ramires, John Obi Mikel or even French youngster Kurt Zouma to play alongside Serbian anchorman Nemanja Mati at the centre of the park for Chelsea FC.
Pellegrini confirms Delph and Fernando have not recovered for Sunday
Manchester City Manuel Pellegrini has little to choose from in central midfield, with the Chilean confirming that new signing Fabian Delph remains sidelined following the injury picked up during pre-season, whilst Brazilian Fernando will also not recover in time for the game on Sunday.
PELLEGRINI: Fabian Delph and Fernando are the only players ruled out for #MCFC
a Manchester City FC (@MCFC) August 14, 2015
PELLEGRINI: Gael Clichy trained the with the squad yesterday and a decision will be taken tomorrow #MCFC a Manchester City FC (@MCFC) August 14, 2015 .
A player he might be able to welcome back for the Chelsea FC clash is French left-back Ga l Clichy, who reportedly trained with the squad on Thursday. A decision is expected to be made on the defender’s availability on Saturday.
Both Manchester City and Chelsea FC fans will be keen on finding out whether the Citizens’ star striker Sergio AgA?ero is in a physical condition to start the game, but Pellegrini kept his cards close to his chest on that subject.