Chelsea v Man City Team News: Update On Fabregas, Nasri & More…

Chelsea entertain Premier League title rivals Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, here is the latest team news ahead of the game….

The Blues have been dealt a huge blow in the lead up to this crucial match as the FA announced earlier today that Diego Costa has lost his appeal against violent conduct and will therefor start his three-match ban this weekend.

Jose Mourinho has also been left sweating on the fitness of three first team players with Cesc Fabregas, Branislav Ivanovic and Filipe Luis all picking up knocks during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Capital One Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.

Fabregas was forced off early on in the second half but the good news is he was only suffering from slight tightness in his hamstring and was able to take part in light training today. The Spaniard will be assessed ahead of kick off but he could be in with a good chance of featuring against City tomorrow.

Ivanovic was able to finish the game in midweek despite receiving a nasty cut to his foot so he should be passed fit to start on Saturday but Luis could miss out after suffering a calf injury on Tuesday night. Cesar Azpilicueta is on stand-by to step in at left-back.

Manchester City have received a boost with Samir Nasri returning from a calf problem. The Frenchman has taken part in full training the past two days and could be deemed fit enough for a place on the bench.

However, defender Eliaquim Mangala could miss out after picking up a shoulder problem, with Manuel Pellegrini set to hand the Frenchman a late fitness test to see if he’ll be available for the trip to Stamford Bridge.