Sunday's Premier League encounter between Manchester City and Chelsea is set against a backdrop of significant squad disruption for both sides, with a total of eight players definitively ruled out and a further four facing late fitness tests.
Chelsea's Turbulent Start to 2026
The match comes after a chaotic beginning to the new year for Chelsea, who sacked manager Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day. This decision came despite the Blues remaining firmly in the race for a Champions League qualification spot. The club is now urgently searching for a new boss to lead the team.
In contrast, Manchester City enter the fixture in superb form, firmly entrenched in the Premier League title race after a strong run over the past two months.
Confirmed Absences for Both Sides
The list of unavailable players is substantial. For Manchester City, Mateo Kovacic is out until March with an ankle issue, while John Stones and Oscar Bobb are not expected back until mid-January. The club is also without Rayan Ait Nouri and Omar Marmoush, who are on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.
Chelsea's confirmed absentees are equally impactful. Levi Colwill is out for the season following ACL surgery, while Romeo Lavia remains sidelined with a hamstring problem. Dario Essugo is also out but could return later in January. Furthermore, the Blues will be without Moises Caicedo and Mykhailo Mudryk due to suspension; Caicedo for reaching the yellow card limit and Mudryk concerning an ongoing anti-doping case.
Late Fitness Tests for Key Figures
Several important players face a race against time to be fit. Manchester City have doubts over Nico Gonzalez and Savinho, with Pep Guardiola noting Savinho's injury "did not look good".
Chelsea's concerns surround defender Marc Cucurella, who had a minor hamstring issue, and Jorrel Hato, who missed the last game and remains a doubt. Their availability will be crucial for a Chelsea side in flux.
The sheer volume of missing personnel, combined with Chelsea's managerial vacancy, sets the stage for a highly unpredictable and challenging contest for both teams at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday.
