Chelsea will look to take advantage of an extra 48 hours of rest compared to Manchester City when the two sides meet at Wembley on Saturday evening. The Blues are aiming for a fourth FA Cup final in five years, while their opponents aim to be crowned winners for the second season in a row.
However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side come into the match in better form after hammering Everton on Monday evening. Pep Guardiola’s side will have to respond to having their high hopes dashed in a penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
The reigning cup holders were taken to 120 minutes and beyond by Carlo Ancelotti and have a big task to recover physically and mentally. Chelsea have more tangible problems of their own after even more fitness issues became apparent against Everton.
Here, football.london has the latest news from the Blues treatment room.
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke was withdrawn in the 72nd minute against Everton after being on the end of a number of strong challenges that saw him need to be seen by club physios. Despite having his number on display, Madueke appeared to be trying to signal to the bench that he was still fine to continue despite coming off worse for wear from one of those challenges.
When replaced by Carney Chukwuemeka, Madueke headed straight into the tunnel but later returned to watch the final minutes from the bench.
Possible return date: Manchester City (N) – FA Cup Semi-Final – Saturday April 20.
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Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez is currently undergoing ‘medical assessment’, according to the club’s official website. According to reports in Argentina, he has suffered an inflammation of his adductor muscle. Fernandez was not part of Chelsea’s squad for Everton.
Injury: Unknown.
What Pochettino said: “Yes, we will see. They are being assessed. They have different kinds of problems. We don’t believe they are big problems, but we will see if they can be available. At the moment they have not trained after Sheffield. We I don’t know whether or not they can be involved on Monday.”
Possible return date: Manchester City (N) – FA Cup Semi-Final – Saturday April 20.
Axel Disasi
Axel Disasi is currently undergoing ‘medical assessment’. The 26-year-old defender has amassed a stellar injury record during his career so far. The France international was missing from the team that defeated Everton on Monday.
Injury: Unknown.
What Pochettino said: “Yes, we will see. They are being assessed. They have different kinds of problems. We don’t believe they are big problems, but we will see if they can be available. At the moment they have not trained after Sheffield. We I don’t know whether or not they can be involved on Monday.”
Possible return date: Manchester City (N) – FA Cup Semi-Final – Saturday April 20.
Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez is ‘absent due to illness’. He struggled with his fitness earlier this season.
Injury: Disease.
Possible return date: Manchester City (N) – FA Cup Semi-Final – Saturday April 20.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling is also ‘absent due to illness’. He has remained fully fit for the most part this season.
Injury: Disease.
Possible return date: Manchester City (N) – FA Cup Semi-Final – Saturday April 20.
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill ‘continues his rehabilitation programme’. The 21-year-old defender has been struggling with a toe injury, which has seen him miss a number of big games for Chelsea and not feature for more than four weeks.
Injury: Toe.
What Pochettino said: ‘We only found out after the [Brentford] game. We ended up with two players who couldn’t train at the time. Levi’s problem is his toe.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Ree James
Reece James ‘continues his rehabilitation programme’. The 24-year-old defender recently started rehabilitation after undergoing hamstring surgery at the end of last year.
Injury: Hamstring.
What Pochettino said: “We were talking and he has started his recovery, one day closer to the group. This is really positive and we are all positive around him, we are going to help. It is difficult for a player with a very complicated and difficult situation.” It is now the process to start recovering and it will be another day before he is part of the group. The most important thing is to solve the problem and help him be strong.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku ‘continues to undergo his rehabilitation programme’, according to the club’s official website. The 26-year-old forward has been out for most of the season and is currently out with a hamstring problem.
Injury: Hamstring.
What Pochettino said: “Don’t know [how far away he is]. We still don’t know [if he will play again this season]. Return to training? I don’t know what I said. At the moment we do not yet know when it will be possible to start training with the team. He is currently not training with us.
“That setback did not happen. I have no information about that. He is recovering and it took longer than we expected. That was after the final, he played 30 or 40 minutes. We did not know the problem and we have found it after the match.
“These kinds of circumstances affect many things, too many players have suffered this season. I hope he can be involved again in the team dynamics as soon as possible and of course, if he would have to be really good for that.” At the end of the season I hope he can be part of the team.”
Possible return date: Next season.
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia ‘continues his rehabilitation program’. The 20-year-old midfielder has made just one appearance for Chelsea this season after struggling to stay match fit and avoid injury.
Injury: Thigh.
Possible return date: Next season.
Lesley Ugochukwu
Lesley Ugochukwu ‘continues his rehabilitation programme’. The 20-year-old midfielder’s last appearance came in December and he has not been seen since without further updates.
Injury: Unknown.
Possible return date: Next season.
Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana ‘continues his rehabilitation programme’. The 23-year-old defender has returned to training at Cobham’s pitches but is still thought to be a long way from action.
Injury: Torn anterior cruciate ligament.
What Pochettino said: “Unfortunately, I find it difficult to see Wes play this season, but you never know.”
Possible return date: Next season.