Chelsea faces a crucial away game against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday, and manager Enzo Maresca is dealing with a number of injury concerns. Here’s the latest on the fitness of key players like Levi Colwill, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, and Cole Palmer.
Levi Colwill’s Status
Levi Colwill was notably absent from the squad that defeated Wolves on Monday, having also missed training in the days leading up to the match. The exact nature of his injury has not been disclosed, but it is understood to be a knock. There was speculation of a knee or toe injury, but it seems it was just a general knock. However, there’s a possibility that he could be available for the Manchester City game. Maresca stated that Colwill’s availability would depend on a Friday training session. If he successfully completes the session, the young defender is in line to return to the starting lineup.
Enzo Fernandez’s Recovery
Enzo Fernandez is also recovering from a muscular issue, reported to be fatigue. Similar to Colwill, he missed the Wolves game due to this concern. Initial reports suggest that the injury isn’t severe. The Argentinian midfielder is also in contention to return for the City clash, pending a final assessment after Friday’s training. His presence in midfield would be a major boost for the Blues. It is important to note that Fernandez had groin surgery at the end of last season.
Romeo Lavia’s Setback
Unfortunately, the news isn’t good for Romeo Lavia. The young midfielder is set for another spell on the sidelines after picking up a muscle injury in the game against Bournemouth. He was not available for the Wolves match, and manager Maresca has confirmed that he will be out for a few weeks. Lavia has struggled with injuries since his move to Chelsea, having only made a handful of appearances. He suffered from hamstring and ankle injuries last season. Maresca expressed his disappointment for Lavia, highlighting that the club will be cautious in his return. Maresca stated that the goal is for Lavia to return for the final 10 games of the season.
Cole Palmer’s Condition
Cole Palmer, despite being a fitness concern, has been playing through an ankle injury. He was a doubt for the Wolves game, but he started and played 84 minutes. Maresca confirmed that Palmer is “getting better” but also admitted he is not fully fit. He acknowledged Palmer’s “unbelievable effort” to play despite the injury, highlighting the player’s importance to the team. Palmer’s contributions will be vital for Chelsea’s chances of securing a positive result against Manchester City. Palmer has been a key player for Chelsea, scoring 14 goals in the Premier League.
Other Chelsea Injury Updates
Apart from the quartet, Chelsea has a few other injury concerns. Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are still out with their respective injuries. Omari Kellyman is also sidelined with a hamstring issue. Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable due to suspension. There is also a possibility that Carney Chukwuemeka may be unavailable due to illness. Reece James has recently returned from an injury and is being managed carefully to avoid any further setbacks. Trevoh Chalobah has returned to the club from his loan spell at Crystal Palace and could feature in the match against City.
Manchester City’s Injury List
Chelsea is not the only team battling injuries. Manchester City also have several key players ruled out for the match. Rodri is out with an ACL injury, while Ruben Dias is sidelined with an unspecified issue. Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake, and Oscar Bobb are also unavailable due to fitness concerns.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup
Considering the injury situation, here is a predicted Chelsea lineup for the match against Manchester City:
- Goalkeeper: Sanchez
- Defenders: James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella
- Midfielders: Fernandez, Caicedo
- Forwards: Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson
Match Details
The match between Manchester City and Chelsea will kick off at 5:30 PM GMT on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium. Both teams will be looking for a victory to boost their chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s medical team will be working tirelessly to ensure that as many players as possible are fit for the clash against Manchester City. The potential return of Colwill and Fernandez would be a significant boost, while the absence of Lavia is a major blow. Cole Palmer’s ability to play despite his ankle problem showcases his commitment to the team. With several injuries on both sides, the game promises to be a fascinating encounter.
