Chelsea face perhaps their biggest game of the Premier League season so far on Saturday afternoon as they take on Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are unbeaten in their opening five league matches of the campaign and are now preparing for the challenge of last season’s champions of England.
However, Thomas Tuchel will be boosted by his recent record against Pep Guardiola, with the Chelsea boss beating the City manager in his opening three matches against the Manchester-based outfit.
Tuchel, though, does have a few injury concerns going into the game and will be without some key players for the huge test today.
With that being said, football.london takes a look at the latest team news ahead of the Man City encounter following Tuchel’s press conference on Friday afternoon.
Edouard Mendy
The Chelsea goalkeeper has been sidelined through injury since picking up a hip problem in the win against Zenit St Petersburg last week, but Tuchel has confirmed that he will start on Saturday.
Kepa Arrizabalaga took Mendy’s place in the games he missed and did a sterling job, but Tuchel’s first-choice shot-stopper will start against Man City.
The Blues boss said: “Yes, he’s [Mendy] available and will start tomorrow.”
Timo Werner
Werner scored his first goal of the season for Chelsea in their penalty shootout victory against Aston Villa in midweek, but also picked up a knock in the cup win.
The Germany international surprisingly did not take a penalty in the shootout and after the victory, he revealed the thinking behind his decision.
“I had some pain in my calf but with only three substitutes, I couldn’t go off,” Werner, who was the victim of a heavy challenge late in the second half, told Chelsea’s post-match broadcast. “But when you have fit players on the pitch, it’s better they shoot than me today.”
The full extent of Werner’s problem is not yet known but as it stands, he could be in contention for the visit of Man City.
Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount
Tuchel confirmed that he would be without Pulisic and Mount for the clash against the champions on Saturday.
The former, Pulisic, has not featured for Chelsea since returning from international duty with USA earlier in the month, where he picked up a muscular injury.
Meanwhile, Mount picked up a “minor” injury in the win against Aston Villa earlier in the week and Saturday looks to be too soon for the 22-year-old midfielder.
“Christian Pulisic is still out. For Mason Mount, it’s too soon,” Tuchel said on Friday.
“He has a minor injury from the Aston Villa game and while he made a big step, huge progress, it’s not enough to be ready for 12.30 tomorrow. Everyone else is in training and we’ll see tomorrow.”
Source by Football London
