Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed his side are set to be without Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne for their game against Chelsea.
The defending Premier League champions and current leaders travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday hoping to further cement their place at the top of the table.
What is the major team news for Chelsea vs Manchester City? Five key things to know…
- Chelsea have no serious injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s tie.
- Marcos Alonso’s place in the starting XI looks to be secure despite recent poor performances with Sarri backing the Spaniard.
- Meanwhile, Man City will be without Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne for the trip to London.
- Both are yet to shake off their respective injuries and should also miss City’s Champions League game against Hoffenheim in midweek.
- Sergio Aguero will be a big miss for City, having scored 12 goals in 16 games against Chelsea during his career.
De Bruyne has been out for City since the start of October, after suffering a knee injury during the club’s Carabao Cup win against Fulham, while Aguero has missed City’s past two games through muscle fatigue.
And Guardiola has now revealed neither will play a part in Saturday’s game, with the club not willing to risk two of their star players just yet.
When asked about De Bruyne and Aguero’s availability, Guardiola told reporters: “Both cannot play. Both will be back soon.
“Always Stamford Bridge is difficult. I have travelled there many times as a manager and won once – last season. Most times I lose there.”
On the other hand, Chelsea have no injury worries for Saturday’s game which they will now look to turn their poor run of form around.
“At the moment we have no serious injuries,” Sarri said. “I think that every player will be able to play. But, of course, I have to see the last training [session].”
The Blues have won just one of their past four Premier League games including two defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri was asked about some of his players, including Marcos Alonso, whose performances have brought some cause for concern in recent games. But the Italian was adamant that by replacing Alonso the team would lose some of their threat from set pieces.
He added: “Of course. Emerson is a good option. I have to consider, also, some details. For example, without Alonso, we could have problems at set-pieces. So I have to consider everything.”
How will Manchester City do without key pair?
Manchester City have already proven they are more than capable of playing without De Bruyne this season, with the Belgian managing just five appearances so far due to injury.
In his place, Bernardo Silva has stepped into a deeper central midfield role and is really flourishing, showing the full extent of his abilities. In Premier League games without the Belgian, City have scored 37 goals winning 10 of their 12 matches.
City have also shown they do not rely on Aguero for their goals this season, scoring five in the two matches he has not played so far in the Premier League.
No City player has scored more goals in the Premier League this season than Aguero, but he is joined on eight by Raheem Sterling. Furthermore, City also have a further three players to have scored five or more goals in Leroy Sane (six), Riyad Mahrez and David Silva (both five).
The post Pep Guardiola rules Aguero and De Bruyne out of Man City’s clash with Chelsea appeared first on Squawka News.
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