Manchester City and Chelsea will face each other at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening with the game pivotal for both teams
Savinho is among the Manchester City injury concerns heading into the clash with Chelsea
Savinho is among the Manchester City injury concerns heading into the clash with Chelsea
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Manchester City left the Stadium of Light frustrated on New Year's Day after taking 14 shots but failing to break down a stubborn Sunderland backline. Josko Gvardiol had arguably the best two chances as his point-blank header was saved and his clever flick cracked the outside of the post.
Unfortunately for City, there now appears to be up to seven players who could miss Sunday's big game against Chelsea due to either injury or international call-ups. Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush will both be missing from the City squad as their national teams progressed to the last-16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez was the first concern for City as he was forced off at half time during the stalemate. His exact issue is not clear at present and Pep Guardiola insisted he was waiting for an update on his fitness.
Savinho's injury looks to be more of a concern with Guardiola saying his injury situation 'did not look good'. Both men are likely to be missing against Chelsea to avoid them complicating their injuries further heading into a busy January.
Mateo Kovacic is definitely ruled out as he continues to recuperate from a long-term ankle problem. John Stones is the nearest to a return after a thigh problem which City have insisted he is closer to recovering from but it remains to be seen if the Chelsea game will come too soon for him. Guardiola will speak to the City medical team to assess whether Rodri and Jeremy Doku can play so soon after their returns vs Sunderland but they have overcome their respective injury issues.
Meanwhile Oscar Bobb, who is wanted by Borussia Dortmund, will likely be out after feeling his hamstring during the Carabao Cup quarter-final win vs Brentford. As for Chelsea, they are without a permanent manager after Enzo Maresca left the club on New Year's Day.
On the pitch, Marc Cucurella is a doubt after missing the Bournemouth draw with a hamstring issue. Levi Colwill is a long-term absentee with an ACL issue which guarantees he will not play against City.
Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo both have thigh issues which are unlikely to be resolved prior to the clash at the Etihad Stadium. Unlike City, Chelsea do not have any players at AFCON.